Hawks back to best with win

The visitors went ahead on 38 minutes through Kurtis Cumerbatch, but the Hawks came out all guns blazing in the second period.

Alex Read converted a penalty, before a well-worked free kick routine was finished off by Reece Dobson to give the Hawks the lead and a vital three points.

Neither side could create many clear scoring opportunities in the first half, with the midfield of both teams cancelling each other out.

Jared Small was first to test the goalkeeper with a shot from distance, but it was parried out of danger.

The visitors were wasteful in possession, and even though they defended stoutly they were unable to hold onto the ball to create much danger.

Ant O’Connor had the first effort for Harrow Borough when he hit a long ball forward after one bounce, but it flew wide of the goal.

With the half stagnating, the visitors went ahead on 38 minutes to inject some life into the game. Charles Banya was through one-on-one, but he was denied by a great save from the legs of Ashlee Jones. The ball deflected straight to Kurtis Cumerbatch who smashed it goalwards and in off the bar.

Just before the half-time whistle, debutant Jey Siva linked up well with Nigel Neita, before the latter put Alex Read into the box. His curling shot went around the box as the Hawks went into the break one down.

HT: Harlow Town 0-1 Harrow Borough

Harlow Town came out at a ferocious pace in the second half, and on 49 minutes they equalised from the penalty spot. Reece Dobson showed quick feet inside the area, and as he breezed past Howard Hall the defender brought him down. Alex Read stepped up to dispatch the penalty.

Reece Dobson then went close with a left-footed free kick that was curling in, but Adam Richards headed off the line to keep the scoreline equal.

Dobson was in the thick of it again a minute later when his shot from the edge of the area was tipped over the bar by Harrow stopper Melvin Minter for a very good save.

The Hawks had the bit between their teeth, and on 66 minutes deservedly took the lead. A short free kick from Syrus Gordon caught out the Harrow defence, and Reece Dobson latched onto the ball 10 yards out. He turned and struck in off the post to put the Hawks ahead.

Harlow should have had a third after some pinball in the Harrow area. Both Alex Read and Syrus Gordon saw their shots blocked by defensive bodies, and when Read had a second effort heading for the bottom corner it was cleared off the line by Hall.

Harrow rallied in the final 15 minutes, and Michael Bryan forced Ashlee Jones into a smart save. It was then Harlow’s turn to clear off the line when Fabion Simms flicked Mark McLeod’s shot away.

Alex Read got behind the defence and was bearing down on goal looking to finish off the game, but Minter tipped the shot over as it was heading for the top corner.

With just minutes left, Harlow hearts were in mouths as Charles Banya broke through on the counter. Ashlee Jones came flying off his line to smother at the striker’s feet and preserve a well-earned victory.

FT: Harlow Town 2-1 Harrow Borough
ATTENDANCE: 184

The Hawks move on to 11 points from their 12 games and close the game on the teams above.

Next up is a very tough test away to Dulwich Hamlet. Kick off is at 7:45pm on Tuesday 17th October.