Hawks Snatch Late Draw At Parkside

Following three consecutive home games, away day number 2 of the season was on the horizon for the Hawks. We were set to face Cannons Wood, formerly known as DT FC. They are a club that we know very well as last season they shared our home until the pitch issues forced us to resign. After a comfortable 2-0 win over May & Baker (who also play at the Parkside Stadium in Aveley), our next challenge was upon us.

Excitement surrounded the team after the signing of club legend Junior Dadson for a fourth time, after his departure from the club in the 2021-22 season; he started the game alongside fellow new recruit Jack Martin, a left-back who joins us from Takeley.

The Hawks began the game on the front foot, with Junior Dadson and Roman Percil looking lively on the wings. Service to Gavin Cockman was not in excess, with the striker using his class to create chances for himself and a few attempts wide of the target followed from all of the forwards.

Going into the break at 0-0, it only seemed a matter of time before Harlow would take the lead. Unexpectedly, this would not be the case; a cross that was unfortunately headed into our net by Taylor Hastings gave Cannons Wood the advantage, despite having not had a shot on target all game.

The Hawks responded by frantically charging forward with a multitude of attacking situations, none of which ending in a goal. Chapman made a number of substitutions and Korede Da Silva came millimetres from scoring as his effort beat the Cannons Wood keeper, striking the underside of the bar and not crossing the line.

Cannons Wood began to desperately take as long as possible in every situation, frustrating the Hawks further but after 101 minutes of play, Harlow were awarded a late penalty and a chance to draw level. Roman Percil stepped up and dispatched the penalty emphatically, sending the keeper the wrong way and ecstatic celebrations unfolded amongst the travelling crowd.

The referee eventually blew up and a point a piece was the result of a long game.