HARLOW Town return to league action on Saturday afternoon.

They play Tower Hamlets in the league at 3pm at the Pardus Wealth League.

They sit in fifth place. Six points off the top.

One of the key members of the team this season has been Gavin Cockman. However after five short months and 17 games, he has announced his retirement through injury.

In a heartfelt message, Gavin wrote “Hello Harlow Town Fans. For those of you who know will know how hard this has been to write. As most of you are aware, I’ve been playing most games in a lot of discomfort this season and I’ve found it hard to stay injury free…” “Sadly, after having my MRI scan results back, it’s far from good news.

I have more damage to my back which is connected to my 2 previous back operations, so sadly the decision has been made for me that I have to retire from football as of now…” “I really didn’t think I would be having to do this this season as I was just getting started but it’s too dangerous to carry on. I just want to take this opportunity to say from my heart a massive thank you to you all for the love and support you have given me in such a short space of time, it’s been incredible and I will always be thankful.

“I look forward to still seeing you all at the games let’s get behind the team and see the season through together”.

Gavin made 17 appearances for the club and scored 14 goals, assisting six times. It didn’t take him long at all to settle in, scoring on his second game for the club against Bishops Stortford Swifts. Ever since, Gavin hasn’t stopped scoring is one of the reasons why we’re challenging for the league this season.