Hawks leave it late to beat champs

Both sides traded blows throughout the game, and when it seemed like it would end in a stalemate Piers Wixon converted a rebound chance deep into injury time to secure the three points.

Elsewhere, Thurrock’s 0-2 win away to Aveley was enough to clinch place, leaving the Hawk with a home tie against fourth-placed Cray Wanderers in the playoff semi-final.

It was a tentative start to the game, with both sides struggling to create clear chances but as the half progressed the game began to open up.

It was the visitors who had the first chance at goal, but Syrus Gordon saw his shot on goal charged down by the Sudbury defence.

Winger Liam Wales latched onto a long ball from the hosts before hitting over, while James Baker followed suit when he flicked a corner inches over the bar.

Junior Dadson, back in the Harlow side after an injury lay-off, had a great chance to take the lead when he connected with Joe Benjamin’s cross, but his low shot was expertly saved by Sudbury stopper Marcus Garnham to preserve the stalemate.

A neat passing move from the visitors set up Mario Noto for a chance on goal, but under pressure from Jordan Blackwell his effort went wide.

With half-time approaching, the two sides continued to cancel each other out, but Junior Dadson should have put the visitors ahead with a gilt-edged chance. Ryan Melaugh sent a low cross driven into the box after a good run down the left, and Dadson’s effort flew over the bar from six yards out.

HT: AFC Sudbury 0-0 Harlow Town

Sudbury came flying out of the blocks in the second half, and only a great save by Harlow’s David Hughes kept the scores level. Luke Callander‘s header was heading in before a strong hand from the Hawks’ custodian tipped it over the bar.

From the resulting corner, Harlow’s Ibrahima Sonko put a header onto his own bar and over, and the visitors were lucky not to have conceded.

The hosts continued to press, with Luke Callander going proving to be particularly difficult to keep under wraps, but the striker couldn’t convert his chances.

Junior Dadson was equally dangerous for the visitors, and again produced a good save from Garnham, before denying him again from a header. Dadson’s return from injury was cut short when the winger picked up another knock that forced him to be substituted and may make him a doubt for the playoff semi-final in four days’ time.

As the game drew to a close, a combination of good defending and sloppy finishing from both sides seemed destined to finish in a goalless draw.

Mario Noto’s curling effort was easily saved for Harlow, while Ryan Henshaw’s shot was well gathered by Harlow custodian David Hughes.

With the game deep into stoppage time, a cross was cleared only as far as Piers Wixon, whose half-volley beat the goalkeeper to give the visitors a late winner.

FT: AFC Sudbury 0-1 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 673

The Hawks now head into the playoff semi-final where they will host Cray Wanderers. The game takes place on Wednesday 27th April, with a 7:45pm kick off.