Hawks gain hard-earned three points

Junior Dadson was on the score sheet again, and the pacey winger has now notched five goals in the last two games, which will be comfort to Harlow fans following the news that top scorer Alex Read will be out for several weeks.

His first was a well despatched penalty, and then he scored with virtually the last kick of the game to settle the nerves of the home fans and guarantee the three points.

The game was littered with half-chances from both teams, and both groups of players had periods of dominance during the match. The main difference between the two teams was inability of Aveley to finish their opportunities, and they will make the trip back across Essex rueing missed chances.

Aveley were first on the score sheet, taking an early lead in the hope that a win would re-ignite their playoff hopes. Theo Ola out-paced Harlow’s Craig Pope and burst into the box, and his effort took a deflection off Josh Urquhart to beat the home ‘keeper.

Junior Dadson had a good chance to equalise when Billy Jones had headed down into the winger’s path, but Dadson’s shot went high. It was then Dadson’s turn to create an opportunity for Jones. The winger burst into the area and crossed for Jones to turn and shoot but it was saved easily.

The equaliser came shortly after. Harlow captain David Cowley floated a free kick towards Marc Gorbell, who was pushed in the back as he jumped, and referee Sean Feerick pointed to the spot. Junior Dadson dutifully stepped up and finished low into the corner to draw level.

Cowley and Junior Appiah had chances to put Harlow ahead, but both shots went well over the bar and failed to trouble James Marrable in the Aveley net.

Aveley seemed more likely to take the lead again, with Harlow right-back Craig Pope finding goal-scorer Ola difficult to deal with. Ola cut in from the left and crossed for Billy Holland to poke the ball into the net from close range but it was ruled out for offside.

With half-time approaching, Ola then set-up Petrit Elbi to shoot, but his effort went wide to keep the score at one apiece.

HT: Harlow Town 1-1 Aveley

Aveley started the second half brightly but, despite fashioning chances, Danny Francis and Jack Stevenson failed to really test Harlow ‘keeper Andrew Walker who saved with relative ease.

Billy Jones received the ball from a Gorbell knock-down, but in a repeat of his first half effort his turn-and-shot didn’t connect and was easily collected.

It was Harlow that took the lead on 62 minutes. David Cowley swung in a corner that was headed away by the Aveley defence but only as far as the edge of the area. Fabion Simms rose highest to send a looping header goalwards and into the back of the net.

The goal ignited Harlow’s tempo, but despite maintaining most of the possession the home side were unable to further extend the lead.

As the game reached entered the final stages, Aveley threw all they had at the Hawks defence to find a second goal. Ola’s long-distance shot was easily collected, and Harlow had to defend stoutly a succession of corners.

In injury time Joshua Urquhart had to block Elbi’s shot from the edge of the area, as the majority of the crowd nervously checked their watches, waiting for the final whistle.

It was to be a happy ending for the Hawks though, as Junior Dadson was there to seal the three points. Fabion Simms played the through-ball to Dadson, who accelerated away from the defence for a one-on-one with the Aveley goalkeeper. His low shot beat Marrable, securing the win and all-important three points.

FT: Harlow Town 3-1 Aveley
ATTENDANCE: 252

The top five teams in the league all won, so Harlow remain two points behind the league-leaders Needham Market. The Hawks now have 84 points, but have still played a game less then Needham. With just 8 games remaining, every point will be decisive in the title race.

The next game for Harlow is at away to Dereham, on Saturday 14th March. Kick off will be at 3pm.