Harlow bounce back with a win

Three quick-fire goals from Alex Read, Ibrahima Sonko and Fabion Simms sealed the win over Essex neighbours Aveley, as the Hawks put in a second half performance that was back to their best.

Harlow took the lead through Junior Dadson, however Aveley hit back within a minute in what was a tentative first half. The game opened up after the break, and the visitors missed a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot, and Harlow went on to comfortably see out the game.

Harlow had the better of the opening exchanges, with most of the play in the Aveley half. Fabion Simms went close when his shot from the edge of the area was tipped around the post.

Junior Dadson then had a close range effort saved by Aveley custodian James Marrable. With space on either side of the goal, Harlow’s top scorer hit it straight at the ‘keeper who kept it out with a fine save.

Aveley were struggling to create any notable chances, but when Andres Tobon had a rare sight at goal he dragged his shot wide.

The Hawks took the lead on 36 minutes when a quick throw from Jared Small put Alex Read in behind the left-back. Read reached the byline before crossing low for Dadson to tap in for the opening goal.

Before the celebrations had even died down, Aveley equalised. Liam Nash stole possession in the midfield, bearing down on goal. The winger burst into the box and smashed past David Hughes at the near post to draw level, with the Hawks’ lead lasting only a minute.

In the dying seconds of the half, Aveley had a penalty appeal. David Fallah received the ball centrally just inside the penalty area, and as he shaped to shoot, Ibrahima Sonko came across with a sliding challenge. The referee waved away the protests to leave the sides level going into the break.

HT: Harlow Town 1-1 Aveley

After the re-start, the visitors had another penalty claim that was this time granted. David Fallah shifted the ball with quick feet, and Craig Pope brought down the striker with no complaints from the home side. Arian Retkoceri stepped up to take the spot kick, but blazed over to the delight of the home fans.

Harlow capitalised on the miss, and just two minutes later took the lead again. Jared Small latched onto a long ball forward and crossed in from the byline. Alex Read was waiting at the back post to tap in the low pass.

The Hawks really began to turn the screw, and on 67 minutes were rewarded with their third goal. Ibrahima Sonko, a rare sight in the opposition box, saw his goal-bound shot deflected wide. From the resulting corner, the towering defender headed home, with defenders on the line unable to keep it out.

Any hope of an Aveley comeback was extinguished three minutes later. Alex Read received the ball in the 6 yard box, and with his back to goal selflessly laid back to Fabion Simms. He looked up and picked his spot before curling the shot inside the upright.

Harlow saw out the remainder of the game, and although Junior Dadson and Lewis Perkins had opportunities to add to the total in the final minutes, the home side could be satisfied with a comfortable second half.

FT: Harlow Town 4-1 Aveley
ATTENDANCE: 245

The Hawks move onto 76 points from 36 games, but with the top three all winning, Harlow remain third, behind Thurrock on goal difference. With only 10 games left for Harlow, Sudbury remain 12 points clear at the top.

Next up for the Hawks is a visit to Romford on Wednesday 2nd March. It’s a 7:45pm kick off.