FA Cup run comes to an end

The hosts had gone ahead early on, but they had to play out the final half an hour of the game with 10 men as Taylor Miles was send off for a second bookable offence. Harlow had improved as the game went on, but lacked the finishing required to get back into the game.

The hosts dominated the majority of the first half, with the Hawks fearful of the opposition and wasteful in possession. A more even second half followed, but with the final kick of the game Michael Cheek scored his second of the game to send his side into the First Round Proper.

Braintree started the game confidently, and it seemed evident that the Harlow players were happy to give their opponents time to play. Mitch Brundle and Sean Marks both had efforts early on as the hosts probed and tried their luck from distance, and on 14 minutes they went ahead.

Alex Woodyard played the ball behind the defence, and Michael Cheek timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap. Cheek finished well into the corner and beyond Freund in the Harlow goal.

Braintree continued to dominate possession, and on the rare occasion Harlow won the ball back, sloppy passing instantly put the hosts on the attack again. Sean marks forced a save from Niklas Freund, before Brundle sent another effort from distance wide of the post.

Harlow had their first sight of goal after half an hour, Alex Read chasing down a poor back-pass to put the ‘keeper under pressure, who missed his first effort at a clearance. However he quickly recovered and managed to clear before Read could react.

The Iron were still on top, attacking through the middle at every opportunity, and it was only resolute defending from Sam West and Ibrahima Sonko, and great saves from Niklas Freund, keeping the attackers at bay.

The final ten minutes of the half was better from the visitors, and the Hawks were beginning to see more of the ball. A series of corners gave them the best chances of the half, but Sonko saw his headers deflected away from goal.

HT: Braintree Town 1-0 Harlow Town

The second half saw a marked change in the Harlow mentality, noticeable more positive in their movement, and Ryan Melaugh was replaced by Jared Small, who re-signed for the Hawks.

Although the visitors were seeing more of the ball, Braintree were still threatening, with goal-scorer Michal Cheek inches away from heading in at the back post.

A game changing moment occurred with half an hour left to play. Taylor Miles was sent off after he committed two cynical fouls within minutes of each other, both earning him a yellow card.

Harlow made the extra man count, and for the first time in the game began to use their trademark wing play. Layne Eadie’s cross was met by Jared Small, but the header was deflected wide.

Fabion Simms had a shot parried by the ‘keeper into the path of Small, but the rebound was hit straight back at Norris who saved gratefully.

With the clock ticking, a scramble in the Braintree six yard box could have ended in a goal, but Dadson’s shot was blocked by Matt Paine to deny the on-target effort.

Deep into injury time, the Hawks threw caution to the wind, ‘keeper Niklas Freund coming up into attack for a corner. The Braintree defence cleared the ball, and with Freund chasing back, Michael Cheek hit a long low ball into the open net from the half-way line to secure the win.

Braintree deservedly progress to the First Round Proper, but the Hawks will be left feeling that a better first half performance could have changed the outcome of the game.

FT: Braintree Town 2-0 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 727

Harlow will now travel to Concord Rangers for another cup game on Tuesday night, as they join the Essex Senior Cup at the 3rd Round stage. Kick off is at 7:45pm on Tuesday 27th October.