Read penalty secures win

Witham had taken an early lead through a spectacular free kick, before a calamitous own goal drew the sides level. Alex Read scored the winner from 12 yards to make it five wins in a row for the Hawks.

Heavy rain in the days prior had threatened the match going ahead, and despite passing a late pith inspection, it was clear that the boggy ground was not going to allow a particularly attractive brand of football.

Harlow started brightly, with Piers Wixon filling in on the right wing looking particularly threatening for the visiting defence, but the Harlow attack were unable to convert their early possession into a goal.

The visitors came closest when Ryan Melaugh saw his goal-bound free kick headed away by Witham’s Mitch Hunter.

It was the hosts who took the lead, when they took advantage of a free kick of their own just outside the area. George Cocklin smashed a swerving effort through the wall and into the back of the net, with Harlow stopper David Hughes standing no chance.

Harlow almost hit straight back, when Alex Read stole the ball from Hunter and beared down on Witham goalkeeper Lewis Down. Although he beat the ‘keeper with his shot, the ball went agonisingly wide of the post.

Just after the half-hour mark Harlow drew level. Another free kick just outside the goal area was swung in at pace by Ryan Melaugh. Down seemed to gather the ball, before dropping it onto his own post. In a diving effort to collect the ball, the ‘keeper bundled the ball over his own goal-line.

HT: Witham Town 1-1 Harlow Town

Soon after the re-start, the Hawks took the lead. Mario Noto played a free kick into the box, headed on by Alex Read. Centre-back Simon Glover handled the ball, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Read stepped up to convert the spot kick for his 22nd goal of the season.

With the heavy conditions underfoot, chances were limited and neither ‘keeper had many saves to make. Layne Eadie went closest, when his long range effort was tipped onto the bar and over.

Frustration set in for the hosts, a series of niggling fouls breaking up the play, and with Witham unable to muster any attempts at goal in the second half, Harlow battled to a fifth consecutive win to keep up the pressure on the playoff-chasing pack.

FT: Witham Town 1-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 115

The Hawks move up to 6th place, still level with Tilbury on 51 points.

Harlow now travel to Soham Town Rangers on Tuesday 12th January, for a 7:45pm kick off.