Brightlingsea earn Trophy replay

Harlow got off to the perfect start through Alex Read's long-range effort, but the hosts deservedly drew level in first half injury time.

Both sides had periods of dominance in the second half, but several well-placed saves from Harlow stopper David Hughes ensured that Brightlingsea would have to travel to the Harlow Arena for a replay.

After the original tie was abandoned due to a floodlight failure, the two sides agreed to allow free entry for this game, so a bumper crowd turned out on a foggy evening.

The visiting supporters were rewarded for their travels early on when Alex Read scored in the second minute. The Harlow striker celebrated his return to the starting line-up when he ran on to a bouncing long ball forward and unleashed a volley from 25 yards out that hit the back of the net.

The hosts hit back, and it was only several good saves from David Hughes that preserved the lead. The Harlow ‘keeper tipped over a volley from Aaron Condon, before he again had to produce a save to keep the ball out of the net from Phil Kelly.

Kelly had another chance from close range as Harlow were put onto the back foot, but he dragged the shot wide when he should have forced a save at the very least.

Dan Beeson in the Brightlingsea net was also called upon, as he was equal to a smart shot from Jared Small that was heading in.

The hosts’ pressure paid off in first half added time, when a long throw was delivered into the Harlow box. Matt Cripps met the ball with a glancing header to go into the break with the score level.

HT: Brightlingsea Regent 1-1 Harlow Town

Brightlingsea started the second period strongly as they had finished the first, going closest when a long-range shot hit the bar.

George Doyle’s shot was then saved and pushed out for a corner by David Hughes, who was once again called upon to keep the hosts at bay.

The quality of football suffered as the fog grew thicker. Harlow began to have more ball possession, but they were restricted to half-chances that didn’t trouble Dan Beeson.

The game fizzled out in the final minutes and although Brightlingsea will feel disappointed not to have caused an upset with their number of chances, the two sides will now have to produce a winner at the third time of asking.

FT: Brightlingsea Regent 1-1 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 234

Brightlingsea will travel to the Harlow Arena on 22nd November, with the winner progressing to the 3rd Round Qualifying the following Saturday away to Havant & Waterlooville.

Harlow return to league action in their next game when they travel to Billericay on Saturday 19th November. It’s a 3pm kick off.