Brown Brace Inspires Hawks To Derby Win

It was yet another rainy Tuesday night in Harlow – something we’ve become accustomed to over recent weeks – despite the fact we’re in the middle of the summer; fans fled to the Pardus Wealth Stadium, an impressive 409 of them in fact, as the local derby between Harlow and Hoddesdon was about to get underway.

The team had been slightly altered by Danny Chapman following our 0-0 draw with Basildon on the weekend, with the young full-back Bobby Kirby coming into the side, as well as new, experienced midfield signing Jack Cousins from Enfield FC joining the starting lineup. Josh Brown also rejoined proceedings after some time away and had the biggest impact of them all. As can be said for the entire team as well as these new additions, nobody would fail to impress.

Josh Brown outlined Harlow’s attacking intentions from the word go, threatening and terrorising the Hoddesdon defence down the right hand side, but not many clear-cut chances emerged for either side in the first half until Gavin Cockman fired one home from the goal line to give Harlow first blood.

At half-time, most fans were satisfied with how the game was going: no, the Hawks hadn’t created a plethora of chances, but we were leading nonetheless and defending well. However, the second half is where things got spicier, and the energy levels raised around the whole stadium.

Harlow had become an immediate threat on the counter attack and the strong hold-up play of Gavin Cockman, partnered with the energy of Josh Brown meant chances had begun to flow. It was inevitable that a goal was coming and a Gavin Cockman flicked header landed perfectly at the feet of the rapid Josh Brown, who slotted it past Liam Nugent, doubling our lead.

An unfortunate error at the back immediately followed as a free-kick from Hoddesdon bounced off James Folkes’ shoulder and went straight into the goal, giving Hoddesdon some hope and reminding the Hawks that the score was yet to be settled.

However, Chappo’s side crushed the Hoddesdon momentum immediately after as Josh Brown found himself on the end of another cross and made it 3-1 to the Hawks.

After a monstrous bit of footwork from Korede Da Silva, the Hoddesdon defender had no choice but to foul him, giving away a penalty. Ishaq went low to the keeper’s left as he produced a magnificent save to deny him.

The story had eventually been written and Harlow had emerged victorious once again; the atmosphere around the ground was booming as Josh Brown was awarded the Man Of The Match award – a bottle of champagne that he is yet to be able to drink as he is still only 17 years-old. The result confirmed that things are beginning to come together at the club, and we are still progressing massively.

Photo Image Credit: Kelsi O'Connor