The Hawks responded to Saturday’s thrashing at the hands of Winslow United with what was an improved performance, that unfortunately did not go our way come the end of the ninety minutes.

The problems from within the game mainly stemmed from the final third, with us having defended well throughout but never really looking like scoring, even with a few solid chances.

Cockfosters, under the management of Gavin Kelsey, were a well-organised side; they didn’t necessarily create more chances than us, but substitute Balogu made the difference, nicking a goal at the front-post late in the game.

The first real attacking moment of the game came when Mitch Hahn whipped a corner to the back-post, where Louis Stead hit it. The shot was saved by Connor Sanson, but fell to Ishaq Ameen who sliced it wide.

Mitch Hahn continued to cause problems for the Cockfosters defence from his set pieces as he decided to strike one from a free-kick on the left-hand side of the pitch, forcing a save out of Sanson, who pushed it wide.

Down the other end, Kendall Gyamfi forced a save out of James Pellin, who got down to his right well. The Cockfosters striker shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Former Harlow player JJ Da Cruz missed a big headed opportunity when he was picked out from a free-kick but headed wide of the right post.

In a great move, Harlow came close as James Love played it out to the left for Denzel Effah, who played in a good ball for Ishaq Ameen. Ishaq’s shot was blocked but the ball fell nicely for Raheem Gray who snatched at it and Cockfosters could clear it.

In the seventy third minute, the deadlock was finally broken as the ball was played out wide to George Hughes who beat Arley Barker and got a cross towards the front-post for Larry Balogu, who got his body on it and beat James Pellin. It would end up being the only goal of the game as Cockfosters came away with a victory.

It was a frustrating result after a game that could have gone either way given the chances that had been created, but it was certainly an improved performance from the weekend, which can be attributed to the return of several players to the squad.

We thank you for your continued support and hope to see you on Saturday as we host Colney Heath in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy.