The Hawks were going into the game on the back of a disappointing defeat at Bognor Regis Town that had effectively ended any hopes of sneaking into the playoffs, but defeat to Enfield made sure mathematically and ensured Harlow Town would feature in the Ryman Premier Division once again next season.

Harlow were on the back foot from the start, and could count themselves lucky to be level at half time. The pressure told after the restart however, with Harry Ottoway tapping in the opener from close range.

The Hawks had a good penalty shout turned down, but before long the score was doubled as Ottoway finished well for his second. The third came in added time at the end of the game, with the visitors good value for their win.

Enfield Town knew that they needed a win to keep up the pressure on fellow playoff chasing sides, and coming off a run of six consecutive wins they wasted no time in showing their ability.

Charlie Dickens’ clearance rebounded off striker Dernell Wynter and put him through on goal, but the shot was tame and Hawks stopper David Hughes held onto the ball.

A dangerous cross from Karl Oliyide then put Wynter in a good position again, but he couldn’t control from 6 yards out and the Hawks were let off.

As the visitors dominated possession in midfield, Tyler Campbell’s mazy run made space for a shot, but he dragged the effort wide, before Wynter’s volley was easily collected by David Hughes.

The visitors came closest on 20 minutes when Percy Kiangebeni’s header grazed the post, but it went out of play to the relief of the Harlow fans.

Harlow didn’t have their first shot on goal until midway through the half. Alex Read and Junior Dadson combined well to release Mario Noto, but the shot from the edge of the area was straight at the goalkeeper and he held on to prevent the Hawks going ahead against the run of play.

HT: Harlow Town 0-0 Enfield Town

The second half continued in the same vein, with Harlow Town sloppy in possession, and the visitors soon went ahead. Karl Oliyide broke through on the right and his driven cross was tapped in by Harry Ottoway from close range.

Harlow’s task was made even harder when Layne Eadie had to be substituted due to a facial injury.

On the hour mark the Hawks had a strong penalty shout turned down. As a cross from Junior Dadson came into the box, Ricky Gabriel backed into Bamba Ngamb and seemed to lead with his arm, but the referee waved away the appeals.

Harlow Town had a 10 minute spell when they looked as though they could get back into the game. Ibrahima Sonko headed a corner just over the bar, before Alex Read when close. Bamba Ngamb’s driving run allowed him to cross for Read, but the goal went begging as he put it over from 6 yards out.

Into the final 15 minutes and the visitors were never in danger as they scored a second. Mark Kirby’s header from a corner was kept out by a great save from David Hughes, but it was only cleared as far as Ottoway who drilled in for his second.

The Hawks were reduced to 10 men on 90 minutes when captain Craig Pope was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge.

The defeat was then compounded with a quick breakaway goal from Enfield. Karl Oliyide lashed home the counter-attack to the delight of the travelling support whose quest for the playoffs goes to the final round of games.

FT: Harlow Town 0-3 Enfield Town
ATTENDANCE: 607

The Hawks remain on 67 points, with just one game remaining. Harlow Town travel to Leatherhead on Saturday 22nd April to complete the league campaign. Kick off is at 3pm.