Southern League Central Division

Harlow Town 1 v 1 St Neots

TWO points dropped or a point saved? It’s a difficult one as Harlow and St Neots battled hard for honours that were eventually shared on Saturday afternoon.

In driving rain and blowing a gale, both sides did well to make it as entertain as it was.

The Hawks started well. The early touches and confident play showed why they are now in the play off places.

The first chance of the game came in the 7th minute when Alex Read hit the post from close range.

A minute later, a careless back pass from Harlow’s Marcus Marku let St Neots in but Nehemiah Richard-Noel couldn’t to get his shot on target.

For most of the first half it was even but St Neots were finding their way with their calm assured passing.

However it was Harlow who scored first. In the 41st minute, defender Josh Steele connected with a corner to score from close range.

A minute later, St Neots thought they had a shout for a penalty when Harlow keeper appeared to bring down Charley Baker but the referee waved the game on.

The second half began evenly. Harlow had the wind behind them but it wasn’t something they could use to their advantage.

But as the half marched on you sensed that Harlow had to get that all important second goal. Junior Dadson had the ball in the net in the 60th minute but it was disallowed for offside.

Sure enough, St Neots equalised as Ben Watkin pounced after keeper Tom Middlehurst failed to clear. The young keeper will, as they say, be disappointed with that.

The momentum shifted. Alex Read limped off and Harlow played three substitutes. One of the subs Alfie Attrill came on and was a little over-zealous. He was duly sent off in the dying minutes of the match.

Harlow did well to hang on as St Neots took over the game. Harlow didn’t execute any Plan B and found it hard to retain possession and seize back the initiative.

The game ended in a draw. These were two impressive sides that will surely be in the shake up at the end of the season.