Nine man Hawks fall to defeat

The hosts took the lead from a corner mid-way through the first half, and the challenge to get back into the game for Harlow was made even harder when Bamba Ngamb saw red for a two bookings within seven minutes.

Bognor Regis doubled the lead from the penalty spot a minute before the break, and the Hawks’ afternoon went from bad to worse after Junior Dadson was dismissed for protesting a dubious penalty.

James Fraser converted his second spot kick to secure a win that moved the hosts back to the top of the table, however the scoreline flattered them somewhat in a game with few chances from open play.

It was a tentative start from both sides who had a lot riding on the game. Bognor Regis had the first sight of goal when Jimmy Muitt counter-attacked before releasing Harvey Whyte, but the winger’s shot from the edge of the area was dragged wide of the goal.

The Hawks were pressing high up the pitch, and trying to pressurise the hosts, who seemed keen to play out from the back, into making a mistake. Bamba Ngamb chased down Doug Tuck and stole the ball, before crossing from the byline. Bognor Regis cleared the danger before a Harlow player could reach the loose ball.

The hosts went ahead on 23 minutes. An inswinging corner was met by Gary Charman who headed inside the post and beyond the outstretched fingers of David Hughes.

David Hughes then made a good diving save to keep out a free kick from Whyte, who had beaten the wall but couldn’t find his way past the stopper.

At the other end, Alex Read met Mario Noto’s corner with a glancing header, but it bounced just past the post.

Another Bognor Regis counter-attack saw James Fraser through on goal, but a poor touch took it away from him and it was a tame shot.

The turning point came as the Hawks were reduced to ten men. Bamba Ngamb was booked when, as he went to control a high ball, his boot connected with the head of Sami El-Abd who had ducked to head it.

If the first booking seemed harsh, the referee had no choice for the second, as just seven minutes later Ngamb caught Tuck with a late challenge.

The hosts had time to inflict further damage before the half time whistle when Ibrahima Sonko fouled James Fraser inside the area. The striker picked himself up to slot past David Hughes and double the lead.

HT: Bognor Regis Town 2-0 Harlow Town

The Hawks were on the back foot for the majority of the second half as the hosts made their man advantage count, but the Harlow defence played well to restrict any clear-cut chances.

A cross fell dangerously in the Harlow box before being hooked clear, and then Jimmy Muitt’s cross almost paid off when it hit the crossbar and bounced clear.

The game was effectively over on 75 minutes, when Ollie Pearce was brought down by Ibrahima Sonko. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, and with the Harlow players protesting vociferously that the offence had taken place outside the box, Junior Dadson was shown a yellow card.

The referee produced a second yellow within seconds as Dadson continued to talk to the official, and the Hawks were down to nine players.

James Fraser converted his second spot kick of the game, this time going to the right of David Hughes, and the win seemed secure.

The Hawks still played for pride however, and could have pulled one back when Ibrahima Sonko’s header was cleared off the line by a Bognor Regis defender.

The hosts had chances to add to their tally, with Jimmy Wild smashing a shot wide when well-placed in front of goal. In the dying seconds of the game, Bognor Regis winger Harvey Whyte looked to cap off a great performance, but he curled his effort wide.

The Hawks struggled to contain their opponents after the first sending off, and although they may be aggrieved about the circumstances of the red cards, they were beaten by a good team on the day.

FT: Bognor Regis Town 3-0 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 789

The result leaves the Hawks on 67 points, five points away from the playoff places. With only two games remaining, a remarkable set of results would have to occur to make the playoffs.

Next up, the Hawks host Enfield Town, who do occupy the final playoff spot, on Monday 17th April. It’s a 3pm kick off.