Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

Harlow Town 2 v 3 Risborough Rangers

Report by Harlow Town

HARLOW started brightly, with a driving run from Thomas Akinola, earning a free‑kick just outside the box, though Jack Cousins’ effort flew well over. Rangers immediately countered, Josh Williams sending a shot high at the other end.

On five minutes, a superb through‑ball released Rio Connell one‑on‑one, but James Pellin produced the first of several excellent saves to keep the scores level. Moments later, Jordan Ajanlekoko struck well from a tight angle, only for Pellin to deny him again. Rangers should have been comfortably ahead by the ten‑minute mark, but Williams was thwarted once more when clean through.

Harlow responded with a sharp move of their own. Josh Gruby’s clever footwork created space in the box, but his effort struck the post before falling kindly to the keeper. 

A spell of pinball in the Rangers area followed on 15 minutes, but the visitors survived.

Connell continued to cause havoc, repeatedly stretching the Harlow back line. 
Harlow enjoyed a few half‑chances of their own without seriously troubling Bridle‑Card.

On 37 minutes, Connell twice went close in quick succession—first heading over from six yards under pressure from Pellin, then cutting in from the right and dragging a shot wide.

Rangers finally made their dominance count on 41 minutes. Connell’s effort was blocked by Pellin, but Kifwasima reacted quickest to bury the rebound and give the visitors a deserved lead.

Just before the break, the Rangers captain, Elliott Buchanas saw a powerful effort saved by Pellin.

Second Half

Rangers began the second half with purpose, creating a couple of early openings before doubling their lead on 48 minutes. Alfie Tucker struck from outside the box, and Pellin—so impressive earlier—allowed the ball to slip under him for 0–2.

Seven minutes later, Rangers were in full flow. A slick passing move carved Harlow open, ending with Rio Connell finally getting the goal his performance had deserved to make it 0–3.

Harlow refused to fold. Pellin redeemed himself with a superb save from a curling effort by Buchanas, before Gruby squandered a golden one‑on‑one, firing tamely at Bridle‑Card. Buchanas then broke through again on 66 minutes but couldn’t convert.

The hosts finally found a lifeline on 72 minutes. A pinpoint cross from KaiKai found Jack Cousins, who headed into an empty net to pull it back to 1–3.

Harlow grew in confidence, and on 77 minutes Korede Silva unleashed a stunning 30‑yard strike to make it 2–3 and set up a tense finale.

The Hawks had a late chance to equalise when Debutant Joshua Darby struck goalward, but his effort went straight at the keeper. Despite late pressure, the visitors held firm to secure a hard‑earned victory.

Team: Pellin, Kaikai, Simms (C), Warmerden, Ansen, Akintimehin, Pullen, Gruby, Akinola, Cousins, Agyemang
Subs: Krusinski, Steel, James, Korede Da Silva, Darby

Goals: Cousins, Korede Da Silva