Trophy stalemate forces replay

Aylesbury and Harlow played out a dull draw as neither side did enough to threaten the opposition goalkeeper, let alone win the game.

The Hawks started the brightest but were unable to turn their possession into chances as the hosts began to improve.

Harlow Town saw more of the ball and looked the most likely to score as the game went on, but they will still be disappointed not to have create more efforts on goal against a lower league side.

Both teams will need to improve if they hope to get something out of Tuesday night’s replay.

Harlow started the game well, using their wide men to get crosses into the box, but the promising build up play was never matched by a finish in the box.

The hosts almost scored a fortunate goal when a cross from Kieron Schmidt drifted towards goal and Ben McNamara had to react quickly to tip onto the bar and over.

At the other end the Hawks were pressing without any end product. Jey Siva’s free kick was headed back across goal by James Baker, but with no-one in the middle to hit home the goal went begging.

Aylesbury then produced the best chance of the game so far when a driven cross found Brian Haule at the near post, but he poked it wide of the post.

HT: Aylesbury 0-0 Harlow Town

Harlow were on-top in the second period in terms of possession, but chances were few and far between.

Nathan Livings did well to reach the byline and cross for Alex Read, but under pressure his effort went wide.

A Harlow corner was then cleared only as far as Syrus Gordon on the edge of the penalty area. He hit it after one bounce, but once again the goalkeeper was untroubled as the shot went wide of the goal.

Mid-way through the second half the Hawks had a spell where it seemed like the breakthrough might come. Alex Read played Reece Dobson through, but stopper Ashley Jenkins was out quickly to dive at the striker’s feet and smother the ball.

Jenkins was called upon again ten minutes later when Read played Mayasi through on the left. It was another good save as the goalkeeper came out quickly and made himself big to deny the Hawks.

With five minutes left to play, the Hawks had a final opportunity to break the deadlock. A corner was whipped in, and the ball flashed across the goal-line, missing everybody, to sum up the game.

Late in added time Aylesbury, who had been mostly contained in the second period, put a free kick into the danger area, but again no-one was on hand to make contact and turn it home.

Neither side will be happy with their performance, but it will be Harlow who have to look at themselves hardest after being held to a goalless draw against lower league opposition for the second time in a week.

FT: Aylesbury 0-0 Harlow Town
ATTENDANCE: 91

The replay will take place at the McCullochs Arena on Tuesday 31st October, with kick off at 7:45pm.