Hawks and Wroxham share points

Harlow looked like they would snatch all three points when Alex Read sent a powerful header flying past the home ‘keeper, but with just minutes to go Niklas Freund diverted a long-ball forward into his own net to share the spoils.

The first real attack from either side came with quarter of an hour played, when David Cowley stole the ball in the middle of the pitch. He played Joe Benjamin in behind the defence, who then crossed for Junior Dadson, but the home ‘keeper was quick off his line to clear the ball to safety.

At the other end, Gavin Hinds-Cadette was on hand to get across with a covering tackle when Wroxham striker Jamie Forshaw was through on goal, preventing the shot and giving Niklas Freund in the Harlow goal very little to do.

Leon Antoine had a great chance to take the lead when he rose highest in the area to connect with David Cowley’s corner, but the chance went well wide and failed to trouble Elliott Pride in the home net.

Forshaw volleyed over for the hosts before Dadson’s headed shot at goal was easily collected by Pride, with both goalkeepers barely breaking a sweat.

On the stroke of half-time, David Cowley produced a great run that looked as though it could be the moment of magic needed to separate the sides. He jinked past three defenders to burst into the area, but his left-footed shot was dragged wide of the post.

HT: Wroxham 0-0 Harlow Town

The second period started in much the same way, with periods of possession but no final ball to threaten either goal.

Joe Benjamin’s delightful cross-field ball seemed to have put Junior Dadson through on goal when he beat the Wroxham right-back Steve Taylor, but Dadson didn’t connect with the shot and it was easily collected.

Finally, the deadlock was broken on 74 minutes. A needless foul was given away 25 yards from the Wroxham goal. David Cowley swung in the free kick, and the dependable Alex Read directed a powerful header past Pride who had no chance.

The goal sparked the game to life, and there was a flurry of activity as the Hawks looked for the second goal to kill off the game. It was the hosts that would get the next goal however on 82 minutes, in a moment that Harlow ‘keeper Niklas Freund will want to forget.

Wroxham pumped forward a long free kick into the Harlow area. Freund leapt highest in the crowded area to punch away, but somehow the ball looped backwards and over his head for an own goal to be awarded.

With time ticking away, Harlow desperately searched for a winner. Junior Dadson headed a cross back across goal but Billy Jones, leaning back, was unable to put enough power behind his header and it was collected easily.

Then in the dying seconds of injury time, centre-back Sam West had the opportunity to steal all three points. Billy Jones crossed from the byline and Alex Read, with his back to goal, allowed the ball to go through his legs. West was in the six yard box but couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet, and the tame shot was cleared.

FT: Wroxham 1-1 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 155

It was a game that saw very few chances, and not much in the way of entertainment. Neither side could create many clear-cut chances, and the goalkeepers had little to do throughout the game.

A draw was a fair result, and despite Harlow’s chances to win at the end it would have been harsh on the Wroxham side that battled for a point.

The Hawks are next in action on Saturday 15th August, away to Cray Wanderers. Kick off is at 3pm.