Hawks lose at Maldon & Tiptree

Harlow Town had their moments but lacked the killer touch in front of goal and paid for defensive lapses in a match full of niggles.

The game went ahead after a pitch inspection in the morning as heavy rain during the week had put the fixture in doubt.

There was a nasty late challenge by Maldon’s midfielder Lewis Dark on Hawks left back Layne Eadie in the second minute which had the Hawks fans screaming for a red card.

The ref instead booked Dark and Eadie continued after treatment and this set the tone with seven more bookings being handed out.

The incident took place in almost the same position as when Louis Riddle suffered a horrendous leg injury playing for Harlow several years ago in an evening match at Maldon.

On 10 minutes, Jack Stevenson’s mazy run ended with him firing wide but the hosts missed a great chance on 25 minutes.

A corner from the left saw the unmarked Brad Hunter nod over from five yards.

Harlow came into it more and threatened twice either side of the half hour mark.

James Smith had a shot deflected just over the home bar and he then forced a smart save from home keeper Dylan Skinner.

On 44 minutes, Joshua Urquhart was booked for a foul.

The ref took a long time booking Urquhart after he spoke to Hawks captain Darren Blewitt.

Harlow lost concentration and from the resulting free-kick from a central position, Hunter nipped in to head over the advancing Hawks keeper James May and into the net.

May had been caught in no man’s land.

Early second half action saw James Smith make space for himself well before he fired over.

Harlow midfielder Stan Muguo was then booked following persistent challenges on 52 minutes.

The visitors had the edge but went 2-0 behind against the run of play on 58 minutes.

An excellent move down the right saw the ball cut across for the predatory Hunter to fire a 20-yard left foot shot past the dive of May into the corner.

On 78 minutes, an Antoine header from a Darren Williams cross forced a great tip over from the Maldon keeper and from the corner Antoine headed over.

Shortly after, Eadie was booked for a foul.

Harlow kept pressing and a dangerous cross from Ben Hart was cleared by a home defender away from the lurking Antoine.

Harlow captain Darren Blewitt was also booked.

Thanks to The Harlow Star for this match report.