Harlow seal play off spot with a draw!

Harlow knew that a home win against a strong Maldon and Tiptree side would guarantee a play off place. Harlow were going to have beat the in-form team in the division as Maldon @ Tiptree have won 5 and drew 1 in their last 6. Harlow were also looking to extend their unbeaten run to 12.
There were a few changes to the Harlow side. Ed Thompson came in for Daniel Knowles to make his home debut for Harlow. Leon Antoine played as a centre back to replace the injured Darren Blewitt. And finally Robbie Martin replaced Junior Dadson due to injury.

Harlow got proceedings underway and Harlow had West Ham United striker Andy Carroll in the stands spectating. Andy was very kind to sign autographs, take pictures and donate money to a cancer charity at the Harlow Arena.

Harlow started off playing fluent passing football and attractive play to try and get an early goal.

But it wasn't until the 15th minute until Harlow really tested keeper Jack Gliddens. Robbie Martin floated in a cross that was flicked on by Read but just whisked wide of the post.

Maldon & Tiptree striker Leon McKenzie nearly opened for the visitors. McKenzie drove past two defenders before dragging a shot just wide.

But Harlow broke the deadlock on 21 minutes through James Smith. It was his brother George Smith who gifted Smith with the opportunity to score. A neat pass to James Smith gave him enough time to compose himself and finesse the ball in the corner of the net.

Just before the break Harlow nearly extended their lead through Shane Stamp. Stamp shrivelled his way past his man and cut inside and rifled a shot that was well saved by Giddens.

Harlow looked sluggish and tired in the second half.

The first ten minutes lacked any real quality to test either keepers but on the 56th minute Stevenson levelled things up at the Harlow Arena. Maldon & Tiptree countered quickly and Stevenson drove towards the Harlow goal and rifled a shot just outside the box and flying into the corner of the net leaving Thompson with no chance.

From this point on the momentum swung in Maldon & Tiptree's favour and looked the better team.

Harlow were looking to re-establish their lead but were again caught on the break and Maldon & Tiptree took the lead on the 81st minute. Appiah used his pace to get past a few Harlow players and delivered a fantastic cross for Ryan Wade to head past Thompson.

Harlow were desperate to find an equaliser and in the 88th minute the Harlow goal scoring record breaker Alex Read added to his total and importantly gave Harlow the goal they needed.

Harlow now have a play off place but will have to win to have any chance of third place and to have a home tie play off.

HARLOW: Thompson, Barnard( Stamp), Eadie, Urquhart, Antoine, Glowacki, Martin, Muguo, Read, J Smith(Curley),G Smith.

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