Leon Antoine headed down a corner for Alex Read to finish from close range, leaving no chance for the visiting goalkeeper. The win give a perfect start to the hosts' league campaign against a side who themselves were chasing promotion last term.
The game had been an even affair, with both sides going close throughout the afternoon.

Harlow’s Alex read went closest to breaking the deadlock when he shrugged off two defenders, only to see the toe-poked shot turned around the post. Kingstonian did have the ball in the back of the net, when Ryan Moss latched onto a through-ball, but he was adjudged to have been offside.

Just minutes later Kingstonian were unlucky not to go ahead when captain Alan Inns, who put in a very impressive performance, saw his header clatter off the bar. The effort bounced down onto the goalline and was hooked clear.

The visitors then had a penalty shout turned away after a Hawks’ keeper David Hughes rushed out to clear a through ball, but he marginally reached the ball ahead of Pelayo Pico Gomez.

At the other end, Harlow’s Jared Small forced Rob Tolfrey into a superb double save. Kieran Bishop's cross was met by Small in the six yard box, but the goalkeeper was equal to the initial shot and then the close-range follow-up.

Kingstonian had another effort cleared off the line, when Inns’ goal-bound effort beat the goalkeeper but found Layne Eadie in the right place to clear the danger.

Just before half-time Harlow could have edged into the lead when another good low cross from Bishop was just an inch from the toe of Alex Read with the goal gaping.

HT: Harlow Town 0-0 Kingstonian

Both sides seemed to fade in the second half as the temperature took its toll, with speculative efforts causing little trouble for the respective goalkeepers. Alex Read grazed the crossbar from 30 yards out, before substitute Akpele sent an effort well over the bar for the visitors.

As it looked as though the sides would have to settle for a point apiece, the Hawks snatched the winner. Leon Antoine’s header was tipped over the bar, and from the resulting corner Harlow’s golden boot winner from the past two seasons sealed the three points.

FT: Harlow Town 1-0 Kingstonian
ATTENDANCE: 315

The Hawks now travel to Harrow Borough on Tuesday 16th August for the first away game. Kick off is at 7:45pm.