Hawks let two goal lead slip

Harlow got off to a perfect start and raced into a two-goal lead. Tayo Oyebola scored the first when he latched onto a good pass from debutant Hector Mackie to open the scoring on 10 minutes, taking his tally for the season to double figures.

The Hawks then benefitted from a slice of luck as Terrel Egbri’s strike took a heavy deflection, wrong-footing Oliver Pain in goal, and doubling the lead with just 12 minutes played.

Harlow Town were performing well and well worth of their lead, but Chipstead came in to the game on a good run of form with seven wins and a draw in their previous eight games, and they didn’t allow their heads to drop with the early set-back.

With half-time drawing near, Tom Collins gave his side cause to be optimistic for the second period, dribbling into the box before finishing to reduce the deficit with virtually the last kick of the half.

HALF-TIME: Chipstead 1-2 Harlow Town

Early in the second half the Hawks were unlucky not to be given the opportunity to restore their two-goal lead from the penalty spot, as what looked like a certain penalty for a foul was waved away.

Kyen Nicolas then drew level for the hosts on 51 minutes, as he found himself in space and finished with a cool left-footed effort.

The visitors were on the back foot, and any positivity from taking the early lead had ebbed away.

The turnaround was complete on 66 minutes, when substitute Sam Bell hit the first of two goals. He had only come onto the pitch a minute before, but with his first touch he found the far corner to beat Josh Bexon, and put his side ahead for the first time in the game.

The result was effectively sealed with two minutes remaining, when Bell struck again. He lobbed Bexon to ensure his side’s continued chase for the playoffs, piling pressure on the Hawks and their extended poor run of form.

FULL-TIME: Chipstead 4-2 Harlow Town

Next up, the Hawks host Ashford Town on Saturday 25th January. Kick off is at 3pm.