Maximum cold, minimal chances. Winds strong, performance weak. Neither team truly took control, so it was probably fair that the festive sharing spirit was on show, both teams picking up a point in the last home game before Christmas.

Top of the tree just over a month ago, The Hawks have slipped somewhat, since going five league games without a win. Unless something changes soon, they could end up as the presents that lay beneath it all.

Because in all truth, it was another uninspiring display; the opener gift-wrapped to Leon Moore, and a serious fluidity anonymous in attack.

Form doesn’t lie. Harlow, sit 14th in a table of the last six games. As Danny Chapman mentioned in a post-match interview two weeks ago, every team has a bad patch over a season. However, he will be hoping this one ends soon, and that his team can rise from the 8th placed position they find themselves in.

Early goals always change a game, therefore making it a justified wonder how much difference an accurate finish would’ve made in the fourth minute. Terrell Egbri passed to Samson Doherty, the midfielder then playing it back in behind. Egbri’s touch forward and by-line cross was impressive, but Tayo Oyebola scuffed contact with the goal a matter of yards in front of him.

Another glorious opportunity was spurned moments later, Amar Lewis should have chipped it back over the keeper from the by-line for an assist, but no teammates followed, and Lea Van Sullivan cleared.

And as seen against Bracknell and Northwood, missed chances were punished. Getting past debutant Anders Eriksson, Kye Martin fired one in for Great Evans. The striker’s header towards goal actually fell to the wayside, but the unmarked left-back Moore gobbled up the chance, blasting into the bottom left.

It was the only first-half chances of note between the two sides, who both sit on a respectable 28 goals. But given both sides recent struggles, just 12 between them in the past five, this was perhaps not surprising.

Much like the Northwood game, Harlow started the second half brightly. However, the spell didn’t last as long. Oyebola had a go in the 49th minute from a tight angle, but was denied at point-black by Craig Bradshaw. That was The Hawks’ only chance for 18 minutes, and Bradshaw’s speed in closing down the angle caused by a poor Louie Downey back pass, was arguably the most impressive piece of play on show all day.

That chance 18 minutes later, was skied over, Eriksson taking a pot shot from just outside the box. The debutant had been solid defensively, and was at least smart to have a go, given Harlow’s passing avenues were often shut off.

The introduction of Christian Adu Gyamfi livened the team, and the young striker was furious to not receive a penalty with 68 minutes on the clock, Timothy Pitt adjudged to have got the ball, although it looked otherwise.

Spurred on, Harlow played the ball wide, Egbri crossing in. Bradshaw spilled under aerial pressure from Oyebola and Gymafi. In the commotion, Oyebola and Gyamfi both tripped over Van Sullivan, who had rushed in to rescue the situation. Gyamfi used his height to his advantage, extending his leg to poke in and equalise. Perseverance rewarded.

Ainh-War Tran-West and Callum McAllister, both off the bench, came close with ferocious long shots, but Josh Bexon could only watch, safe in the knowledge the shots were going wide.

Despite the lack of excitement in the affair, there should have been late ecstasy. With added time just announced, Egbri floated in a beautiful corner, which was attacked equally impressively by Southend team-mate Miles Mitchell-Nelson. However, the header was too powerful, flying narrowly over the bar from just a matter of yards.

FULL-TIME: Harlow Town 1 - 1 South Park

The Hawks are away to Bedfont Sports on Tuesday, kick off is at 7:45PM.