Late strike seals Hawks’ win

In a tentative first half, neither side could assert themselves on the game, however Harlow went ahead through Ryan Melaugh’s close range finish.

Maldon & Tiptree hit back in the second half through prolific striker Sam Newson, before Harlow’s very own top goalscorer Alex Read restored the lead with only a couple of minutes to play.

The opening exchanges were a timid affair, with each side sizing up the other. Harlow ‘keeper David Hughes was forced into two saves to keep out shots from distance, but the majority of the time the sides were looking to get on top of a midfield battle.

Harlow took the lead midway through the half, when a pass from Junior Dadson set the stand-in right-back Jared Small through on the overlap. Small’s low cross was almost converted by Alex Read in the 6-yard box, but he couldn’t connect. However, Ryan Melaugh was on hand, sliding in at the back post to put the ball in the net.

Maldon & Tiptree almost hit back immediately. Sam Newson, a new signing for the visitors, smashed a shot goalwards from just yards out, and somehow David Hughes’ incredible reaction save kept the ball out.

HT: Harlow Town 1-0 Maldon & Tiptree

The hosts started the second period with renewed vigour, with both Alex Read and Junior Dadson going close, keeping visiting custodian Shaun Phillips busy. Read then looked as though he had beaten the ‘keeper, but his powerful effort whizzed past the upright.

At the other end, the Harlow defence was standing firm. Ibrahima Sonko dived in front of a Darren McQueen shot to deny the winger. David Hughes was once again called into action, diving down low to tip a shot from David Segura onto the post.

Half way through the second period however, the visitors drew level. A cross was volleyed back across goal, and Sam Newson was well-placed to finish easily from close range.

Maldon & Tiptree could have taken the lead when Sam West conceded a foul on the edge of the area. Charley Edge stepped up to take the free kick, but blazed well over.

Substitute Joe Benjamin added an additional threat when he came off the bench, and almost had an instant impact when he set Alex Read through on goal. The chipped shot beat the keeper, but also went just over the bar.

Benjamin then had a shot of his own, a cheeky effort with the outside of the boot, which Shaun Phillips tipped onto the corner of the upright before gratefully smothering the rebound.

With the game looking as though it would head for a draw, Joe Benjamin’s well weighted ball played in Junior Dadson who ran at the defence. Dadson beat one defender before cutting back to Alex Read, who slotted home the winner in the 88th minute.

FT: Harlow Town 2-1 Maldon & Tiptree
ATTENDANCE: 201

The result moves the Hawks up three places to 8th in the table, with 39 points from 22 games. Still five points from the playoff places, Harlow still have games in hand.

After Christmas, Harlow travel away to Redbridge on Monday 28th December for a Bank Holiday match. It will be a 3:00pm kick off.