The day had finally come, after 8 months without a single league game, Harlow Town FC were back! A bumper crowd of 429 were there to witness the completely new side, with a totally new squad. The foundations have been set for what is to be a season to remember.

We welcomed Hutton FC; a team who recently gained promotion to the Thurlow Nunn League, and are playing in Step 6 for the first time in the club's 95-year history. With Harlow being "the team to beat" in the league this season, a walk in the park was certainly not in order.

Harlow started the game strong and showed signs of attacking quality on the counter attack, but Hutton's defence matched us and we struggled to fully break them down. A lacklustre goal as a result of poor Harlow defending, gave Hutton a lead that shocked the crowd.

Nevertheless, Harlow responded positively as a Jake Davis goal levelled proceedings.

With the score level at half-time, positivity surrounded the stadium, but Harlow were unprepared for the events of the second half.

Hutton grabbed the lead to make it 2-1, stinging the Hawks. The major setback of Ishaq Ameen's departure through injury meant that our attacking prowess had become limited, and Hutton capitalised, by scoring yet again and widening the gap.

Heads dropped amongst the Hawks and yet another goal on the counter attack from Hutton made it 4-1 in what was becoming a cricket score.

Just as the game was concluding, Hutton were awarded a penalty, which they dispatched well and the game ended 5-1 to the away side.

Overall, Harlow's first half performance was a total contrast to the second half and this first Thurlow Nunn League game of the season will provide a major learning curve for the squad, amid what may be season full of ups and downs.

We would like to thank all 429 who attended our first home league game of the season and hope to see you all again on Wednesday as we travel to Scraley Road to face Dunmow Town in the league.

#Hawks #OurTownOurClub