Harlow celebrate birthday with a win!

Harlow nearly got off to a flying start to the game as Stamp ran at the full back with pace and his deliver found Billy Jones whose header was well saved by Elliot Pride.

But Wroxham should have opened the scoring. Great pace from Forshaw got him away from Toner and his good cross was met by Christy Finch who had time to bring it down but was denied excellently by Ed Thompson.

It was entertaining football from both teams and Harlow were to have the next chance. A great leap from Billy Jones allowed him to knock on to Shane Stamp who raced clear of the defence but his angle was too tight and the keeper was able to keep him at bay.

Harlow were finally rewarded on 15 minutes. A great Cross from Shane Stamp was flicked on from Billy Jones and Junior Appiah who was making his debut tapped home from 2 yards out.

Harlow brilliantly made it 2-0 10 minutes later. Fantastic football starting from the back and ball worked its way across the midfield with great intensity and tempo and it was Dave Cowley with the decisive pass that found the clever run from Junior Appiah who tucked it past the keeper to double his tally.

Wroxham failed to reply quickly had the chance to get a goal back before half time. Jamie Forshaw’s testing effort was well dealt with by Thompson.

But Harlow made Wroxham pay for their missed chances on 41 minutes. Billy Jones was played in and he scuffed his chance but the keeper spilled his shot and the follow from Layne Eadie was smashed in from a tight angle to put some breathing space between the two teams.

The second half started very slowly from both teams with no real chances to either team in the opening ten minutes. But then suddenly the game sprung back into life.

But Wroxham were back in the game. Good build up from Wroxham was finalised but a fantastic strike from forward Nathan Stone on 62 minutes.

But Harlow quickly restored their 3 goal lead with a peach of a free kick. A fantastic curled free kick went straight in the top corner from the impressive David Cowley on 63 mins.

And Harlow surely sealed the game with a sumptuous goal from substitute Jared Small. Small got past two defenders before rifling into the top corner. 3 goals in 3 minutes! No lack of entertainment at the Harlow Arena.

Wroxham got a goal back through a tap in from Remy Gordon. A mistake from centre back Michael Toner allowed Gordon to tap in. 5-2.

Harlow celebrate their 135th birthday with a fantastic win that puts Harlow into the next round with a visit to Ryman Premier outfit Lewes on Saturday 1st November.

ATTENDANCE:208