Perfect 10 for Hawks

The hosts took an early lead when James Barker shot home from close range. The Hawks hit back in the second half through Craig Pope, before a fortuitous own goal secured all three points for Harlow.

Sudbury started brightly, forcing Harlow stopper David Hughes into a low save in the 5th minute. With their next attack the hosts went ahead. A neat one-two move between Sam Bantick and James Barker made space for Barker at the back post, and he slotted in for an early lead.

The Hawks improved as the half went on, and went close when Jared Small’s effort from a tight angle hit the side netting.

Joe Benjamin was a constant threat to the Sudbury defence, and when he brushed past right-back Alfie Carrol the Harlow winger had a clear run on goal. Sudbury stopper Marcus Garnham rushed out quickly to block the shot and deny Joe Benjamin.

The hosts nearly doubled the lead before the half-time break when Sam Bantick’s shot was blocked into the path of Robert Eagle. Eagle put the follow-up wide when the goal was gaping.

HT: AFC Sudbury 1-0 Harlow Town

Craig Parker again squandered a good chance when he put a shot wide of the post from a good position.

Harlow once again upped their game to match the hosts. Ryan Melaugh was in great form, making his first appearance for the Hawks since suffering a shoulder injury in pre-season. He couldn’t get his shot on target though, as once again a chance went begging.

Jared Small forced Garnham into a save, and there was panic in the Sudbury defence as the ball bounced around the goalmouth. Eventually Alfie Caroll cleared off the line to remove the danger.

With 69 minutes on the clock Harlow drew level. Ryan Melaugh sent a cross into the danger area, and captain Craig Pope headed home.

The Hawks continued to press forward, looking for a second goal to reflect their second half control of the game, and on 79 minutes forced the hosts into an error that decided the game. Jared Small sent a cross in from a wide position, and Sudbury defender Aidan Austin put his head to it and deflected past his own goalkeeper.

The points weren’t safe yet, and Sudbury almost salvaged a draw when a curling effort from Austin beat David Hughes but cannoned off the post. Craig Parker collected the rebound, but Syrus Gordon cleared the shot off the line to secure an eighth win from the last ten games.

FT: AFC Sudbury 1-2 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 272

The result moves Harlow up into 8th in the league table, with 30 points from 20 games, and now only three points outside the playoff places.

The Hawks take a break from the league now, with the next game an away tie against Tilbury in the Essex Senior Cup. That takes place on Tuesday 6th December at 7:45pm.