Goalless draw shares points

The Hawks were looking to make an impact after a disappointing loss away to Tilbury, and a much improved performance saw the visitors match AFC Hornchurch, a side many expect to win the title.

Both sides had periods of the game where they were on top, but it was a night for the defenders to be in control, as the teams were restricted to speculative efforts.

Harlow started on top, with new signing Mario Noto going close. A goal-keeper clearance fell to the feet of the midfielder whose first-time shot from distance went just wide. Joe Benjamin’s thrusting runs were causing problems for the home defence, but the final ball couldn’t pick out a Harlow shirt

George Purcell, who had started the week as the league’s top scorer, looked a handful, but after a mazy run to the edge of the area his wasteful shot flew over the bar. Purcell then put the ball on a plate for Tobi Joseph, but Layne Eadie stole the ball as he looked to shoot.

Fabion Simms went closest for the visitors when he shot deflected off Elliot Styles. Home custodian Sam Mott was quick to change direction, getting down low to tip around the post.

Joseph wasted Hornchurch’s best opportunity, when he found himself with space in the area but his free header was high and wide, failing to trouble Niklas Freund in the Harlow net.

Just before half-time, Freund was called into action. A free kick was drilled low and hard towards the goal, with the German ‘keeper reacting well to save.

HT: AFC Hornchurch 0-0 Harlow Town

Harlow came out strongly in the second half, and had a period of 20 minutes where it looked where they might take the lead. Mario Noto crossed for Alex Read, but the ball was just too high for the striker to be able to direct it goalwards.

Read then crossed for Jared Small, who was left holding his head in his hands when he failed to trouble Mott with his effort.

The home fans thought their side had gone ahead when a shot hit the side netting, but it was Alex Bentley who nearly broke the deadlock for Hornchurch. A corner fell to the winger, whose low driven shot passed through numerous bodies in the box before creeping harmlessly past the post.

FT: AFC Hornchurch 0-0 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 145

It was a well-earned point for both sides, and a fair result given that both teams had periods on top. The result puts Harlow in 13th place, on 29 points from 17 games.

Harlow now host Phoenix Sports in the next league game on Saturday 28th November. Kick off is at 3pm.