Harlow through to next stage of FA Cup

An injury hit Harlow were looking to bounce back from the 3-4 defeat to Waltham Abbey by getting past Essex Senor League team Tower Hamlets.

It was a very shaky start for the Hawks as a long ball from the back put Stephen Demetriou through on goal but his effort went wide.

Harlow then had a chance of their own when a corner was half cleared by Hamlets, fell to Darren Blewitt who went for a spectacular over head kick but the ball whistled past the post and out for a goal kick.

After that it was a fairly quiet game as Tower Hamlets were looking solid at the back and restricted Harlow from having long range efforts that rarely challenged keeper Jason Willis.

However, Hamlets had a glorious chance to take the lead through Paul Burnett. He created space for himself as he smartly wriggled away from Junior Dadson hammered a fierce shot towards goal but a fantastic save from James May denied Tower Hamlets the lead.

Harlow were trying desperately hard to get the lead before half time. And did so on the stroke of half time. Robbie Martin dribbled past two Tower Hamlets defenders and crossed a delightful ball for Leon Antoine to head in from 6 yards. 1-0.

The second half started very well for Harlow and got a two goal lead four minutes into the half. Alex Read showed good strength to hold off Hamlets defender willis and showed even better vision when he picked out Chinedu Mckenzie who took his time and slotted in. 2-0.

But it wasn't going all Harlow's way. Tower Hamlets had two glorious chances to get them back into the game. A Tower Hamlets counter attack caused problems from Harlow as Demetriou shot was again well saved by James May. The second of the chances came a mistake from Hawks defender Liam Thomas. Thomas couldn't get the ball out of his feet and Blake advanced forward but his shot was magnificently saved by May who was keeping Harlow in a commanding position.

But from there on it was Harlow's day. Harlow were having all the chances. Harlow came close when Read and Dadson linked up well and Read released the pacey winger Dadson and went one on one with keeper willis but brought a good save from the keeper.

Harlow then made their pressure pay off when they won a penalty. the ball bobbled around and hit the hand of captain Willis and Referee Paul Forrester gave a penalty. Read confidently stepped up and smashed in Harlow's third on 82 minutes.

However Tower Hamlets got a consolation goal when a shot was well saved by May but the re-bound was turned in by Joe killlingback on 89 minutes.

But Harlow rounded off a great performance when read worked himself well into the box and was in the right place at the right time and slotted home. 4-1 in added time.

HARLOW TOWN: May, Thomas(Barnard), Dadson, Gliddon (Williams), Akande, Blewitt (Williams), Hart, Mckenzie, Read, Antoine, Martin#

ATTENDANCE: 161