Hawks inconsistencies rumble on

Despite seeing periods on top, the Hawk were unable to convert their chances as the visitors went ahead with almost half an hour played.

A penalty in the second period killed off the spirit of the Harlow Town side whose festive hangover saw them slump to defeat.

The visitors had a gilt-edged chance to take an early lead when Ryan Blank crossed for Aaron Greene, but somehow the winger put the ball over the crossbar when he was just five yards in front of goal.

Alex Read then nearly finished to put the Hawks ahead with a close range effort of his own, but his toe-poke was saved by Joe Wright in the Enfield Town net.

The two sides traded blows for the next 20 minutes with neither side managing to get a foothold in the game, before Enfield were slightly lucky to take the lead. A shot deflected kindly and fell at the feet of Liam Hope, who took full advantage as he slid the ball home.

Ryan Blake’s effort nearly doubled the lead immediately when he latched onto a long ball forward, but the shot was straight at David Hughes who held onto it.

At the other end Tommie Fagg’s good footwork make space on the edge of the box, but Wright kept it out with a diving save.

Enfield finished the half strongly with Aaron Greene and Sam Youngs both trying to convert half-chances, but they weren’t able to test David Hughes.

HT: Harlow Town 0-1 Enfield Town

The Hawks came out after the break looking to make amends, and almost did so straight away. A fantastic cross from Toby Ajala caught out the Enfield Town defence, but it was just in front of Alex Read with the goal gaping.

Former Harlow midfielder Mario Noto almost came back to haunt the Hawks when his free kick flew inches wide of the post as Enfield started to create a string of opportunities.

Ryan Blake dragged a shot wide after a good passing move, and when Liam Hope got behind the defence he put the ball into the side-netting when he really should have tested the goalkeeper at the very least.

Harlow began to move the ball around better and had a period of 20 minutes when they were in the ascendancy. A good counter-attacking move finished with Toby Ajala cutting in from the left, but his shot from the corner of the goal area went just over the bar.

Ajala then went close again when he met Jey Siva’s cross with his head, but defender John Kyriacou was there to block the shot.

Ajala was a handful and when Kyriacou lost possession in his defensive third, Ajala released a shot that was heading inside the post, only to be denied by a good diving save from Wright.

The Hawks were unable to take their chances, and on 83 minutes their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Jared Small fouled inside the box. Darren Purse stepped up to take the spot-kick, beating David Hughes to take the lead.

Harlow Town were left to lick their wounds as yet another inconsistent performance means they remain in a battle to avoid the drop.

FT: Harlow Town 0-2 Enfield Town
ATTENDANCE: 260

The result leaves the Hawks in 21st place with 24 points from 24 games.

Next up, Harlow Town host Hendon on Saturday 30th January. Kick off is at 3pm.