Hawks win tough Thamesmead test

A solitary second half goal from Junior Dadson secured the three points in a scrappy game, where the Harlow defence restricted the visitors to few clear-cut chances.

Thamesmead had the better of the opening exchanges, seeing a clear goal-scoring chance headed just wide within the opening couple of minutes.

Harlow however had their own chances, when first Mario Noto and then Junior Dadson were denied from close range. Alex Read then almost finished off a counter-attacking move but his shot was well saved by former Hawks ‘keeper Andy Walker, before another ex-Harlow player Ben Glasgow cleared the rebound.

Harlow began to take control after the opening 15 minutes, with Junior Dadson and Alex Read having good chances but failing to break the deadlock. A series of fouls from both sides succeeded in breaking up any rhythm as the half wore on, with both defences standing firm.

The home side almost snatched the lead shortly before half-time, when Ryan Melaugh’s low cross was centimetres away from being tapped in by Alex Read at the near post. Instead, the ball rolled harmlessly across the Thamesmead goal-line.

HT: Harlow Town 0-0 Thamesmead Town

Thamesmead were once again quick out of the blocks, when Tyrus Gordon-Young broke through the defence. His woeful attempt to chip David Hughes in the Harlow net landed tamely in the ‘keeper’s arms.

Layne Eadie’s long-range shot went just wide, before Syrus Gordon almost latched onto a through-ball, only just beaten to the ball by the Thamesmead ‘keeper Walker.

Joe Benjamin was introduced from the bench, and immediately impacted the game, with the wing-play of Benjamin and Dadson causing problems for the Thamesmead defence, and shortly after it was the home side who took the lead.

Syrus Gordon’s pass was collected by Junior Dadson in the box. With his way barred, he turned away from goal, before spinning and placing a low shot through the defence and into the corner, just beyond the outstretched hands of the Thamesmead custodian.

Mario Noto saw a free kick saved, and then Dadson headed a Joe Benjamin cross over the bar when he really should have tested the ‘keeper. Thamesmead substitute Paul Vines tried his luck from distance, but it was easily gathered.

With time running out, Thamesmead missed their best chance when a free kick into the Harlow box bounced around the penalty spot, before being hacked clear by the solid Ibrahima Sonko.

Deep into injury time, Thamesmead were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, but it was blazed over with the final kick of the game, to the relief of Harlow fans who could celebrate their fourth win in a row.

FT: Harlow Town 1-0 Thamesmead Town
ATTENDANCE: 176

After the result, the Hawks remain in 7th place, but draw level with Cheshunt and Tilbury in 6th and 5th respectively on 48 points.

Harlow now travel to Witham Town on Saturday on 9th January. It’s a 3:00pm kick off.