Late goal sinks Hawks

The Hawks had been ahead since Alex Read’s 30th minute strike, after Syrus Gordon had cancelled out an early Dulwich opener.

Harlow Town were good value for the lead, but the visitors surged forward as the game went on and found an equaliser six minutes from time.

The comeback was complete as the game went to added time, when a fast counter-attack stole all three points for Dulwich Hamlet.

Harlow Town had got off to the worst possible start, conceding within the first two minutes. A corner was cleared to Ibrahim Kargbo who looped the ball over Patrick Lee and into the Hawks’ net.

The lead didn’t last long however as the Hawks hit back with eight minutes played. A poor clearance fell to Syrus Gordon on the edge of the area, who allowed the ball to bounce once before drilling it past Preston Edwards, who got fingertips to it but couldn’t keep it out.

Harlow looked a different side to that which fell to defeat in the opening side, and weren’t short of chances. James Baker drilled the ball over from 25 yards to lay down a marker, before Dulwich also saw an effort fly over the bar as play moved from end to end.

With half an hour play the hosts took the lead. Jack Wilkinson’s trademark long-throw was flicked on by Fabion Simms at the near post, and Alex Read hooked the ball home for his second goal in as many games.

Simms almost created another minutes later when his knock down found Baker in the box, but he couldn’t connect and the chance went begging.

Sanchez Ming went close for the visitors when he burst into the box, but Baker deflected his effort away from goal. Patrick Lee was then forced into a save, diving low to tip Nyren Clunis’ shot around the post as the Hawks went into the break ahead.

HT: Harlow Town 2-1 Dulwich Hamlet

The entertainment continued in the second half with both sides creating good chances. Junior Dadson burst forward for the Hawks, but dragged his shot across goal and just wide of the post.

At the other end, Patrick Lee was called upon to make several good saves to preserve the lead.

Alex Read almost nabbed his second, but he was inches away as Syrus Gordon stole the ball in the attacking third and delivered a low cross.

Heading into the final ten minutes of the game, and the visitors were pushing for an equaliser. Clunis’ shot from the corner of the area stung the palms of Patrick Lee, but the Hawks defence was holding firm.

In the 84th minute the visitors found the breakthrough. Patrick Lee parried a shot, but Muhammadu Faal was on hand to nod in the rebound from close range.

Harlow almost hit straight back. A long throw was cleared to Tommie Fagg on the edge of the box, and he smashed the shot goalwards, but it was straight at the goalkeeper who pushed away to safety.

When it looked as though the points would be shared Dulwich delivered the hammer blow. A sweeping counter-attack move was finished off well by Faal, to break the hearts of the home support and leave them looking for the first points of the season.

FT: Harlow Town 2-3 Dulwich Hamlet
ATTENDANCE: 260

The Hawks now head to Hendon for the next league game. Kick off is at 3pm on Saturday 19th August.