The hosts took the lead late in the first half with a clinical 20 yard strike from Omar Bugiel. The Hawks struck back immediately after the re-start through a Lewis Perkins finish.

Worthing then re-took the lead with a close range finish, before a penalty gave Harlow a lifeline. Mario Noto drew level from the spot as Worthing were reduced to ten men.

The score wasn’t level for long as Bugiel scored his second of the game, before Fabion Simms also saw red for a second yellow card offence.

Harlow had started on top, and went close in the first minute when Kieran Bishop crossed for Joe Benjamin. Benjamin, who re-joined the Hawks mid-week after a short spell away at Bishop’s Stortford, saw his effort deflected wide.

Worthing were getting into the game as the half progressed, with Kane Wills putting the visiting defence under pressure. He blazed over from the edge of the area, before sending a second effort wide minutes later.

Harlow were under pressure and looking forward to the half-time respite, but a minute before the break Omar Bugiel sent a well-placed strike into the top corner from distance.

HT: Worthing 1-0 Harlow Town

Harlow weren’t behind for long, as just a minute after the re-start Lewis Perkins drew level with a shot from the edge of the area.

However, the Hawks were punished for a defensive mistake as Worthing took the lead for a second time. Billy Jones’ misplaced pass found goal-scorer Bugiel, who cut back a cross for Harvey Sparks to tap into the open net.

Harlow fought themselves back into the tie, and seemed to be given a life-line with just over ten minutes to play. A goal-bound effort was handled on the line by Worthing captain Steven Metcalf, who received a red card for his troubles.

Mario Noto stepped up to take the penalty, making no mistake to draw the scoreline level.

Before Harlow could capitalise on the extra man advantage, the hosts scored their third. Omar Bugiel, who had a fantastic afternoon, raced clear of the defence before slotting past David Hughes.

Fabion Simms was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Bugiel, and with both sides a man down it looked as though Harlow were the most likely to score again. The Hawks couldn’t convert their chances in the final minutes, as for the second game in a row they came away with no points from a performance that arguably deserved something.

HT: Worthing 3-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 571

The Hawks host Dulwich Hamlet in the next Ryman Premier game, on Tuesday 23rd August. Kick off is at 7:45pm.