Harlow defeat at neighbours

Uncharacteristically sluggish in the opening 45 minutes, Harlow were second best and quickly went behind when Jason Hallett headed home at the back post. The hosts doubled their lead with a scrambled goal just minutes later.

Harlow improved after the break, but despite dominating the final 20 minutes, dogged defending from Cheshunt kept the attackers at bay.

It was the visitors who went close first, and it would prove to be the only time they were able to test Richard Hayward in the Cheshunt goal during the first period. Alex Read laid off for Ryan Melaugh to shoot, but Hayward got down low to push it away.

Cheshunt were controlling possession, with Jason Hallett’s wide header and Kyle Assante’s off-target volley a warning for the Harlow defence. After 14 minutes, Cheshunt deservedly went ahead when Dave Kendall’s cross was headed in by the unmarked Hallett at the back post.

The hosts doubled the lead when a free kick bounced around the Harlow area. The defenders failed to clear their lines, and Adam Bolle headed home the scramble from close range.

The Hawks created sporadic chances, but without forcing the Cheshunt custodian into a save. Alex Read send a powerful shot flying just over the bar, while Leon Antoine and Shane Stamp failed to make their attacks count with efforts on goal.

HT: Cheshunt 2-0 Harlow Town

Danny Chapman rang the changes at half time, with Jared Small replacing Shane Stamp on the wing, while Ben Glasgow replaced the injured Ibrahima Sonko, and the substitutions had an immediate effect. The Harlow players were much more competitive, with Ryan Melaugh and Alex Read forcing Hayward into saves.

The hosts weren’t without their own threats. Goal-scorer Jason Hallett sent an effort wide of the post, before Assante’s mazy run was ended by a last gasp tackle from Sam West. However it was Harlow that were asserting themselves on the game.

Junior Dadson broke through the defence, only for a block tackle from Joe Gater to deflect the shot over the bar. Harlow stayed on the attack, and Leon Antoine was inches away from converting Layne Eadie’s cross, but the striker couldn’t connect sliding in at the back post.

The Cheshunt defenders were guarding their goal resolutely, Joe Kizzi and Dave Kendall diving in front of shots from Alex Read and Junior Dadson to deny them. Jared Small was also putting the defence under pressure, sending cross after cross in from the right wing.

Craig Pope almost converted a corner from Leon Fisher, who impressed after coming off the bench, but the Harlow captain put the effort wide. Cheshunt’s Hallett then had a chance to put a final nail in the coffin when he lashed a shot goalwards from close range, but Sam West blocked the shot

Into injury time, and Alex Read sent a volley towards goal, but Hayward was equal to it, getting both hands to it to punch away, and despite the late dominance the Hawks were not able to get on the scoresheet.

FT: Cheshunt 2-0 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 296

The Hawks were made to rue the poor first half performance, but an impressive final 20 minutes could have resulted in goals

The Hawks are now back in cup action, travelling to Molesey in the FA Trophy. Kick off is at 3pm on Saturday 14th November.