Hawks into Play Off Final

A professional display from Harlow Town sealed a 3-0 win, and there was really never any doubt as Danny Chapman’s men brushed aside a team that finished the season a place above them in the table.

Harlow will be away to Witham in Sunday’s final, who beat Needham Market in the other play-off semi-final.

Harlow were convincing winners and if they play like this in Sunday’s final they will be playing Ryman premier division football next term.

Both teams’ fans never stopped singing all night creating a cracking atmosphere, but it was the Harlow air siren that was sounding triumphantly as the Hawks took a step closer to promotion.

There was good news for Harlow with skipper and centre-half Darren Blewitt being passed fit for tonight after recovering from a knee injury.

After an even first 10 minutes Harlow went close when a shot from James Smith was fumbled by Heybridge keeper Ashley Harrison. Stan Muguo missed the rebound but Swifts could not clear and Alex Read’s effort flew wide.

On 17 minutes there was a great break from the hosts as nice interplay between Dumebi Gb-Dumaka and Ben Newson ended with the latter’s shot being deflected off a defender for a corner. From this, Gb-Dumaka headed over when unmarked from close range as Heybridge went close to taking the lead.

On 23 minutes a header from Antoine was met by the out-stretched right boot of Alex Read and he flicked out and guided the ball over Harrison and into the bottom right corner of the net via the crossbar and post.

It was his 52nd goal of the season.

Harlow should have had a second near the half-hour mark after a corner from James Smith caused chaos in the Heybridge six-yard box. From almost on the goalline Junior Dadson had a great chance to stab home but somehow Harrison got the ball away.

Harlow made it 2-0 on 33 minutes. James Smith’s ball from the left flank into the box saw Michael Toner make a complete hash of a clearance and this allowed Antoine to take possession 14 yards from goal. With just the keeper to beat he smashed it through Harrison and into the net, with the shot just too powerful for the Swifts custodian to stop.

But Heybridge were not out of this yet and four minutes before the break Gb-Dumaka drilled a low shot wide of the left post from 20 yards out.

Just before the break Swifts’ pressure continued and when the ball was drilled across the face of the goal it needed brave goalkeeping as Danny Knowles came out and punched clear with several home players waiting to pounce.

The visitors came out on fire in the second half determined to put the game to bed.

And six minutes in Antoine went down in the Heybridge penalty box but the referee waved away Harlow’s appeals for a spot-kick.

Harlow added a third on 51 minutes.

Dadson’s powerful strike across goal from 20 yards out on the right was too hot for Harrison to handle and Antoine gleefully tucked in the rebound for his second goal of the night as the Heybridge defence once again failed to react.

On 57 minutes the visitors went close to a fourth. The pace of Dadson and Antoine was leaving the home defence in pieces and a great interchange between those two put Dadson through but with just the keeper to beat Harrison did well to block his effort.

Tweny minutes fro time Smith’s right-wing cross was met by Blewitt but his header was well saved by Harrison.

Heybridge should have had a consolation on 74 minutes but Guy’s powerful low effort which seemed destined for the bottom right corner was superbly palmed away by Knowles.

Harlow made two substitutions in the space of five minutes as they took off the impressive Dadson, as George Smith came on, while the tiring right-back Donny Barnard was replaced by Robbie Martin.

Knowles was called into action as he saved Toner’s low strike from the edge of the box with eight minutes left.

Finally a mention to referee Andrew Gillett, who I felt had an excellent game and let the game flow.

Harlow made their final substitution with five minutes left as Jon Glowacki replaced the outstanding James Smith.

The final few minutes were played out without any other real chances as Harlow completed a magical night beside the Blackwater estuary.

Thanks to the Harlow Star and Alan Scott for todays match report.