Hawks Fire Back With Blockbuster Win

The 2nd August 2023 is a day that will be remembered by many Harlow Town fans for a long time. It marked the day that we were finally victorious again in a competitive match – a landmark achievement following the recent issues that have surrounded the club.

A great group of supporters made the 31-mile trip over to Heybridge to witness our first away game of the season, Dunmow Town. Despite the first game of the season not going to plan, there was still a wholly positive atmosphere amongst the fans, hopeful that the team would get back to winning ways. As for the opposition, Dunmow were not a team to underestimate, a new team founded in only 2020, who won the Essex and Sufolk Border League last season, and with the presence of 64-goal Stuart Zanone leading their line they had scope to threaten the Hawks.

It was clear from the very first whistle that there was a new sense of fight amongst the Hawks with positive attitudes all over the pitch; a few half-chances begun our attacking threat, including one from former Dunmow Town forward Alex Yearwood, who came close very early on with a volleyed strike. Jake Davis also narrowly missed with a headed effort over the bar.

However, the Hawks’ relentless pressure became too much for the home side as a spectacular cross from Tom Jelliman fed the ever-hungry Ishaq Ameen, who made no mistake in burying it home with his head, an early 1-0 lead for Harlow.

The Harlow defence simply did not let up, with no clear-cut chances coming Dunmow’s way in the first half. Clearly, the return of Taylor Hastings and Ashton Wilkins had made a robust impact on our defensive performance.

In the later stages of the first half, the Hawks were awarded a penalty after Gavin Cockman was fouled in the area. Ishaq was denied by a fantastic save from the Dunmow goalkeeper, Hayden West as the Hawks’ chance to double the lead was squandered.

In the second half, Harlow once again came out strong with James Folkes coming within inches of scoring. Dunmow were later awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area with Ashton Wilkins being booked for the foul. James Pellin proved he can be relied on with a marvellous save from the free kick.

The Harlow defence continued to hold off Dunmow until space broke for Tommy O’Keefe and Ashton Wilkins had no choice but to bring him down, the referee made the decision to dismiss him for the challenge, deemed a second bookable offence.

With 20-odd minutes to go, Harlow had a mountain to climb as with one less man, we could’ve become vulnerable. However, this was simply not the case and we dealt with all the Dunmow pressure expertly, barely giving them a sniff at goal and shutting down their attacking intentions. We emerged victorious and came away with the three points in what was an immensely entertaining game.

Overall, we were deserved winners over Dunmow, who gave us a fantastic, entertaining game. The attitude of everyone within the club was brilliant and they made sure that three points was the only outcome. Players like Chaz Hannam, Taylor Hastings and Ashton Wilkins were sure to improve the side and it was absolutely unfortunate that Wilkins was sent off, as he had been one of the best players on the pitch until that point and had put in a great defensive display.

We would like to thank all of the travelling supporters, who cheered the Hawks on throughout and we hope to see you all, and many more on Saturday as we face Basildon Town at the Pardus Wealth Stadium, kicking off at 3pm.

As for Dunmow Town, they gave us a great game and are a top club with great people, and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season.