Hawks slip to third

The Hawks took the early into the second half, but a well taken goal from Billy Bennett drew the hosts level against the run of play.

With Harlow keen to keep up the pressure, they pushed forward and were hit on the counter-attack in the last 10 minutes of the game. Just as it looked as though the visitors had squandered their chance of points, a late Ibrahima Sonko header gave the Hawks a share of the spoils.

Harlow had the majority of possession in the first period, and despite creating several half-chances, they weren’t able to take the lead.

Ibrahima Sonko was threatening from a series of corners, but the wayward effort didn’t force home ‘keeper Steve Phillips into a significant save.

Leon Antoine then went close from within the six yard box, the chance went over when it should have tested the Phoenix stopper.

The hosts had their first sight of goal with half an hour played when Chris Hill headed over the bar from close range, although with a free header he should have tested David Hughes.

With half-time approaching, a long throw from Ibrahima Sonko was flicked on to Joe Benjamin at the back post, but he hit over from five yards out.

Benjamin then half-volleyed from within the area, but Steve Phillips pushed away the shot to keep the game goalless.

HT: Phoenix Sports 0-0 Harlow Town

Soon after the re-start the visitors took the lead. Joe Benjamin powered through the midfield with the ball at his feet, before laying off to Jared Small on the right flank. Small’s low cross was on a plate for Alex Read to side-foot home and give the Hawks a deserved lead.

The Hawks weren’t ahead for long, with a well-taken goal to bring the hosts level. Billy Bennett received the ball on the edge of the area, and flicked over his shoulder before volleying past David Hughes in the Harlow net.

The Hawks pushed forward with Jared Small going close to re-taking the lead. His turn-and-shot inside the area grazed the post, before a free header at the back post should have gone in.

However, in their search for the winner the visitors were hit with a sucker-punch. Craig Pope headed a cross goalwards, which was expertly saved by Phillips to keep it out.

From the following clearance, Christie Pattison ran the length of the pitch before crossing to Billy Bennett. He controlled well before finishing for his second of the game.

With normal time running out, Harlow came from behind to salvage a point. Ibrahim Sonko rose highest to plant a header in the back of the net.

FT: Phoenix Sports 2-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 125

Harlow drop to third on 90 points from 44 games. Second place Thurrock are ahead courtesy of a superior goal difference.

The Hawks are next in action on Saturday 16th April when they host Great Wakering Rovers. Kick off is at 3:00pm.