Thamesmead end winning run

Harlow took the lead early on through an Alex Read penalty, but Thamesmead equalised after Niklas Freund’s error gave the home side and opportunity to get back into the game.

The visitors had the better of the first half, but a good Thamesmead performance paid dividends when a corner was converted to take the lead after the break. The Hawks struggled to break down the visitors in the second half, and the hosts were worthy of the three points that send them to the top of the league table.

Harlow started brightly, and had a penalty awarded after just seven minutes. Ryan Melaugh’s cross was deflected by right-back Michael Aziya onto his own hand, and the referee pointed to the spot for a rather fortuitous penalty. Alex Read coolly despatched the spot kick for his 13th goal of the season.

Thamesmead’s first sight of goal came on 13 minutes when Theo Fairweather-Johnson blazed over from the edge of the area, and although it didn’t threaten the goal the hosts were beginning to retain possession for longer spells.

Goal-scorer Alex Read almost turned provider, when he reached the byline and cut back for Junior Dadson. Dadson took a touch to get the ball out from under his feet, and then shot to see former Harlow ‘keeper Andy Walker deny him with a good save.

The equaliser came after 28 minutes, and it’s one that Harlow’s Niklas Freund will want to forget. A low cross from Jay Porter looked to be gathered comfortably, but Freund spilled the ball into the path of winger Michael Uwezu who pounced finished gratefully.

Uwezu and Richard Butler had opportunities for the hosts, but saw their shots fly over the bar from distance, before Junior Dadson had went close to re-taking the lead for the visitors. Melaugh cut back from the byline, but the ball was agonisingly out of Dadson’s reach.

HT: Thamesmead Town 1-1 Harlow Town

After the re-start, Harlow ‘keeper Niklas Freund parried away a cross that again fell to Michael Uwezu, but this time his shot was deflected wide. However, from the resulting corner, Jack Barry’s header put Thamesmead ahead.

As the half wore on, Harlow were finding it increasingly difficult to break down the hosts, and they were unable to create clear-cut chances from open play. They were still dangerous from the set pieces, with Ibrahima Sonko a threat in the opposition box.

A shout for a penalty was turned away after Sonko’s header from a free kick seemed to hit the hand of a defender. Sonko then hit the bar, again raising highest to connect with a free kick, but Walker tipped the effort onto the top of the bar.

Alex Read then saw his header go wide, before Richard Butler’s tame shot for Thamesmead was easily collected.

Much of the second half was played in midfield, with neither goalkeeper significantly troubled. With the time ticking away, Harlow began to commit more and more players forward and almost had the equaliser five minutes into injury time.

Substitute Joe Benjamin received the ball on the edge of the area before cutting in on his left foot. His low shot was heading for the goal, but Walker dived well to his left to save and the Hawks were left disappointed.

FT: Thamesmead Town 2-1 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 126

Thamesmead were a fast side who fully justified their position at the top of the table. Their energetic and pressing game made it difficult for the Harlow players, however the Hawks will rue the missed chances in the first period.

The first loss in eight games will be a disappointment for Harlow, but they are back in action in the FA Cup on Saturday with no time to dwell on the result.

The Hawks visit St Ives Town on Saturday 26th September. Kick off is at 3:00pm.