Folkestone hit for four

Mario Noto got the Hawks off to a perfect start with a goal on 11 minutes, and the lead was doubled six minutes later through Junior Dadson.

Craig Pope tapped in on the stroke of half-time to cap off a dominant first half, before Dadson’s second goal put the tie beyond reach.

Folkestone’s Ashley Millar was sent off, and although the hosts pulled a goal back on 72 minutes the quality of Harlow Town shone through on the day.

The teams lined up for their second meeting in five days, and having conceded two late goals in the first game it was the visitors who started well. Mario Noto’s curling effort from the edge of the area was just out of reach of home stopper Tim Roberts, and although he got fingertips to it he couldn’t keep it out.

Harlow Town were on the scoresheet again on 17 minutes when a deep cross from the right found Junior Dadson unmarked at the back post. He headed back across goal and in, once again eluding Tim Roberts for the perfect start to the game.

The hosts rallied and David Hughes was called into action to keep out a snap shot from Ian Draycott. The Harlow Town ‘keeper was equal to the effort, saving well at the near post.

Joe Taylor hit wide of the post for Folkestone as the hosts tried to find a way back into the game, but Harlow Town were in the driving seat and had the majority of the play.

The hosts, however, were defending resolutely with the recent memory of coming back from two goals down fresh in their minds.

With half-time approaching Craig Pope got on the scoresheet to put the Hawks in a comfortable position. A corner from the left found the Harlow skipper in space at the back post, and he duly poked home for a convincing lead at the interval.

HT: Folkestone Invicta 0-3 Harlow Town

Folkestone were much improved in the second period, and showed their intentions to try and get something from the game. Sam Hasler sent a free kick against the top of the crossbar as it seemed like it was not to be their day.

Junior Dadson scored his second within an hour to put the result beyond any doubt, taking his tally of goals to seven in ten appearances since returning from long-term injury.

The task of the hosts was made virtually impossible when they were reduced to ten men mid-way through the first half. Substitute Ashley Millar was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Craig Pope just minutes after taking to the field.

The hosts were up against it, but they did continue to show some life. Ian Draycott hit the crossbar, before Joe Taylor scored a consolation goal, heading home a cross 18 minutes from time.

The Hawks saw out the rest of the game without incident to banish the memory of two points dropped in the reverse encounter.

FT: Folkestone Invicta 1-4 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 328

The result keeps Harlow Town in the hunt for an outside playoff chance, moving onto 54 points, three points behind 5th placed Wingate & Finchley.

Next up, the Hawks face a tough home tie against big spending Billericay Town on Saturday 4th March. It’s a 3pm kick off.