Harlow edged out in controversial style.

Harlow were to rue their poor defending as promotion playoff rivals Heybridge swifts beat Harlow 4-3. Goals from Morgan, Dumebi and a king brace gave Heybridge a crucial win. Harlow goal scorers were Captain Darren Blewitt, Joe O’Donoghue and Stan Muguo. But there was controversy.
Harlow were looking to gain revenge over Heybridge Swifts after the swifts had beaten them twice already this season. Once in the league and once in the FA cup.
And Harlow got off to the perfect start as they opened the scoring in the second minute. A corner was floated in and was only half cleared and Dadson lashed a fierce shot across goal where Darren Blewitt was there to tuck home.
Heybridge did respond well and had a few good chances which James May had to deal with, but the swifts did look like they were going to be a constant threat.
13 minutes later, they got their deserved equaliser. Heybridge countered quickly and left Harlow found wanting as a cross was pulled back and there was Morgan to tap in.
At this stage Heybridge were dominant and looked very comfortable on the ball. However Harlow had many free kick and penalty appeals turned down which most decisions should have been given by the referee.
But it was Harlow who took the lead again through Joe O’Donoghue. Another corner couldn’t be cleared the Heybridge defence and the unmarked Joe O’Donoghue had the simple task of tapping in on 21 minutes.
The first half was looming to an end and it would have seemed that Harlow were going into the break with a 2-1 lead. But Heybridge struck on the 42nd minute. A cross flew in and King powerfully headed in.
Harlow were feeling hard done by as they felt that the referee should have given more decisions towards them.
Harlow were desperate to get themselves back in front but they couldn’t convert their chances. Read and Glowacki had chances to score but failed to do so.
Heybridge took the lead for the first time in the game mid-way through the second half. A great through ball played by King set Dumebi with a one on one with keeper James May and he kept his cool to slot into the bottom corner to turn the game on its head.
10 minutes later, what turned out to be a decisive decision, a penalty was given to Heybridge. It appeared that Darren Blewitt clearly won the ball and there was no appeals from both management and players but the referee gave a penalty, which surprised both sets of fans. King stepped up and stroked in his second goal of the game to give Heybridge a two goal cushion.
Harlow were determined to get back into the game but struggled to convert their chances. Alex Read hit the post from a free kick but that summarised the luck that Harlow had in the game.
Harlow did get a consolation in the 93rd minute when Stan Muguo swept in a great passing move but it was too late for the Hawks to get a point they deserved.
ATTENDANCE: 122