Harlow lose in south coast goal-fest

Jason Prior was on fire for the home side, netting four times in an impressive display. He opened the scoring within minutes before Matt Patterson doubled the lead.

Harlow looked to get back into the game just before half-time through a fantastic Syrus Gordon goal, but the hosts restored the two goal advantage within a minute.

Prior scored twice more in the second half before Harlow converted a late consolation goal through Leon Antoine.

A tough game was expected for the travelling Hawks, and the task was made even harder after just four minutes.

Ben Swallow crossed to Wes Fogden to shoot, but his effort rebounded to Jason Prior who poked home to score his first of the afternoon.

Havant and Waterlooville were on top in the opening proceedings, and Harlow had David Hughes to thank for keeping the scoreline down. The Harlow ‘keeper parried a shot from Swallow to the feet of Fogden, but completed a good double-save to deny the attacker.

David Hughes then prevented Jason Prior again as he was through on goal, but had to leave the field after taking a blow to the head that left the stopper feeling dazed.

The score was doubled soon after. Winger Ben Swallow’s run made space for the cross, and Matt Paterson was on hand to head home for a two-nil lead.

Harlow were getting into the game as it went on, and the passing movement was much improved from the previous outing against Grays Athletic. The visitors were rewarded with a goal on 39 minutes when a 25 yard thunderbolt from Syrus Gordon flew into the top corner, leaving Havant goalkeeper Ryan Young with no chance.

Before Harlow had time to settle, the hosts had restored the two goal cushion. Jason Prior’s mazy run earned space to shoot from just inside the area, finishing well for his second goal of the game.

HT: Havant & Waterlooville 3-1 Harlow Town

The tempo of the second half was disrupted by a series of late challenges and needless fouls, with both teams going close from the subsequent free kicks.

After 59 minutes the hosts scored their fourth and effectively ended the game as a contest. The Harlow defence were caught napping at a set-piece, as the free kick was squared to Jason Prior on the edge of the area who smashed home to complete his hat-trick.

Five minutes later the hosts were given an opportunity to go 5-1 ahead. Layne Eadie brought down Wes Fogden in the box, and Jason Prior stepped up to convert the penalty.

Despite the scoreline, Harlow continued to push forward, with Craig Pope forcing Havant stopper Young into a save.

Fabion Simms almost scored in injury time, as his effort from the edge of the area skimmed the bar.

With virtually the last kick of the game, Harlow scored a consolation goal to lessen the blow of the scoreline a little. Kieran Bishop’s initial shot was saved, but Leon Antoine blasted home to rebound.

FT: Havant & Waterlooville 5-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 682

Harlow remain on 14 points in the league table, but fall to 16th place after 13 games.

Next up the Hawks will look to bounce back with a home game against Staines Town on Saturday 15th October. It’s a 3pm kick off.