Hawks slump to defeat

Neither side were able to exert any real dominance on proceedings, with the game descending into a midfield slog, but the three points earned keep the visitors in touch with the playoff places while inflicting a fifth league defeat in six games on the Hawks.

Wanderers started brightly when Kieran Lavery forced Josh Bexon into a smart save with a low shot, and then the striker went close again with a free kick that just missed the post.

The only goal of the game came on 16 minutes, when a long throw was met by Luke Moore on the edge of the area, who hooked the ball inside the left hand post.

Dorking had all the play in the opening 20 minutes, and James McShane had another opportunity with a shot from the edge of the area, but it was a weak attempt that never troubled the Harlow stopper.

The visitors were creating chances with their attacks down the left wing, and when McShane’s cross found Jason Prior in front of goal, the lead should have been doubled. The striker couldn’t take advantage, volleying over the difficult effort from just five yards out.

Harlow grew into the half as it progressed, with new signing Nathan Fox twice trying his luck from distance. A long cross-field ball from Taylor Hastings found Fox out wide, and he burst into the box before firing over.

Louise Yuill’s cross from the other side found Emile Acquah in the middle, but with his back to goal he couldn’t fashion a shooting opportunity. Instead he laid the ball off to Nathan Fox, who lashed a shot across the face of goal and wide.

Dorking had another chance to double the lead when a deep cross was headed back across goal, and although Kieran Lavery latched onto it his close-range volley was well saved. Jason Prior found himself in a similar position a few minutes later, but he failed to connect and Bexon saved easily.

HT: Harlow Town 0-1 Dorking Wanderers

Niall McManus found himself in a good position for Wanderers soon after the re-start, but he saw the shot blocked by Charlie Edwards who did well to

The second half descended into a midfield slog, with neither side able to create a many chances.

Dorking’s Kieran Lavery let fly from the edge of the area, but it went wide of the post, before a cross found James McShane’s at the back post, whose shot was deflected wide.

Danny Chapman mixed the team up with the introduction of Jason Raad and Christian Scales, and although they had more of the possession, the Hawks could not find a breakthrough.

Yannick Kissi’s low cross was met by debutant Nathan Koranteng sliding in at the back post, but when Dorking ‘keeper Slavomir Huk was called into action for the first time he was equal to the task.

Harlow's best chances came in the final five minutes when Emile Acquah's shot was blocked inside the box, with claims of handball from the Harlow players. Jason Raad’s follow up was on target, but it was headed over the bar and out of danger, as the visitors held on for the win.

FT: Harlow Town 0-1 Dorking Wanderers
Attendance: 170

The defeat leaves the Hawks just one place off the foot of the table after eight games played.

Harlow have just a day’s rest before the next game, as they travel to Haringey Borough on Monday 1st October looking for an elusive league win.