IT was great to be back on the touch line today (Saturday) cheering on Harlow Town in their first of six friendly fixtures before their first season in the Thurlow Nunn league begins, away to Romford. This some six months after they withdrew from their league due to on going pitch issues.

It is a credit to so many Harlow Town fans, many familiar faces, who made the journey to Barking and continued to cheer for the team throughout. It made me realise why I love non league football.

Sadly, an error from the Romford sub goal keeper in the second half was the only thing Hawks fans had to really cheer about in a game in which the hosts were very much in control.

The final score was Romford 6 v 1 Harlow.

Romford were assured at the back and too often made finding the net look easy.

Harlow boy Alex Luque stood out for me as a potential star in the making and number 10 Ishaq Ameen looked like a threat coming forward.

However, it is clear more squad strength is required before the season starts proper if Harlow are able to make a quick return to their previous level in the football pyramid.

By Chris Vince