Late goal sinks Hawks

The Hawks went into the game high on confidence on the back of a long unbeaten run, but they had the heroics of goalkeeper David Hughes to thank for keeping the game goalless at half-time.

Harlow were unable to test the George Lawton in the Soham net for the duration of the game, and just when they looked to have earned a point, deep into injury time Jordan Gent headed home from close range to cap a miserable night for the visitors.

The hosts were quick off the starting line, and within 5 minutes had forced David Hughes into the first of many saves. Luke Chadwick connected well with a cross, but his half-volley was smothered by the Harlow stopper.

Two minutes later the Hawks failed to clear an attack further than the edge of the area, but Hughes was equal to Salim Relizani’s powerful strike, pushing away for a corner.

The ‘keeper made it three great saves when Ryan Sharman had a free header in the 6 yard box, but Hughes held it well.

The hosts were energetic in their play, and they were closing down the Harlow players within seconds to give them no time on the ball. The visitors were struggling to retain possession. Despite good work from Jared Small, starting on the wing in place of the injured Junior Dadson, the end product was missing to create chances in attack.

It wasn’t until the half-hour mark when Harlow had their first real sight on goal when Alex Read was through behind the defence, but Simon Swinton recovered well to tackle back.

Mario Noto then saw his volley blocked by Chadwick in the area, but still the visitors weren’t able to test the goalkeeper.

With half-time approaching Soham Town almost broke the deadlock when Relizani ran the length of the pitch on the counter-attack, before trying his luck from 25 yards out. David Hughes was alert to the danger, tipping the ball over the bar.

HT: Soham Town Rangers 0-0 Harlow Town

After the break the hosts continued to press, and Ryan Sharman was proving difficult to handle. He should have done better when he broke through the defence to chase down a through-ball, but the striker blazed over a great opportunity to take the lead.
Harlow were slightly improved and enjoying more prolonged periods of possession, but Jordan Gent was solid at the back, breaking down Harlow attacks before they could produce shots.

Mario Noto saw his shot from inside the area deflected wide, before Lewis Perkins put his effort wide of the post after Alex Read had laid off on the edge of the box. Meanwhile, at the other end, Relizani’s shot from the edge of the area flew over the bar.

Soham were flooding the midfield and still winning every second ball, frustrating the Harlow players who were wasteful in possession.

Just as it looked as though the game was heading for a stalemate, in the third and final minute of added time, a floated corner into the area was headed home from close range by Jordan Gent, whose performance throughout the game warranted the reward.

FT: Soham Town Rangers 1-0 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 145

With Thurrock winning away to Bury Town, they draw level with Harlow on 73 points. Thurrock, however, have a superior goal difference, so the Hawks drop to third in the league.

Harlow will now have to bounce back to re-kindle the title challenge, when they host Aveley on Saturday 27th February. It’s a 3pm kick off.