HAVING just been defeated 0-1 at home to newly-promoted Rayleigh Town, immediate response was needed from the Hawks, in a local A414 derby, against Hoddesdon Town. Although it could be argued that there was more of a fighting spirit from the home side, it ended as yet another frustrating game, in which we created numerous chances, but simply couldn’t finish them.

Please note that due to our Veo camera failing to work during the game, the match report is not as detailed as it usually would be.

Hoddesdon were the side to strike first, with James Pellin being forced into an early save after a shot from distance. Minutes later, Fabion Simms attempted a bicycle kick, which ultimately led to nothing, but would’ve been spectacular had it come off.

James Folkes later found himself with space to strike one and, being edged on by the crowd, our captain struck it way over the bar. In the following ten minutes, chances from Jordan Burnett, Jack Zielinski and Ishaq Ameen were all squandered with only the latter hitting the target, but being denied by the Hoddesdon goalkeeper.

In the 27th minute, Hoddesdon looked to cause danger and very-nearly did from a corner which they volleyed wide, with most Harlow players rooted to the spot. Four minutes later down the other end, Syrus Gordon hit a volley which looked to be dipping into the top-right corner, but ended up hitting the roof of the net.

There were three more chances of the first-half, all of which coming for the Hawks. One was a James Folkes header over from the corner, another being Syrus Gordon being denied by the goalkeeper from a side-footed effort, and the final one being Ishaq picking out Jack Zielinski excellently on the volley, but the striker failed to hit the target.

The first half was one in which Harlow had been the stronger of the two sides, but with nothing to show for it, they knew more quality was required in the second half.

However, this quality simply never came, which was partly due to another great defensive display from Hoddesdon Town. James Folkes had the opening chance of the second half, once again heading wide from a corner. Soon after, in the biggest chance of the game for Harlow, Jack Zielinski was slipped in on goal and, with a fairly tight angle, he hit it at the goalkeeper, squandering a huge opportunity.

The game went stale for around 20 minutes, with Harlow trying to get forward, but being denied, as the Hoddesdon players kept going down, which made the clock tick even faster. Hoddesdon then found themselves through on goal, beating James Pellin but also failing to hit the target in the biggest chance of the game yet.

Five minutes later, James Pellin was forced into making a save, however it was a comfortable one as the shot lacked intent.

Chances continued to come for Harlow into the final portion of the game, but once again, the clinical finishing was not there, and Hoddesdon were happy to let the time tick down, and settle for the point.

The final real chance of the game came 95 minutes in, as James Pellin had to make another save, and the game finally ended after around 100 minutes of play, a 0-0 draw.

Overall, it was another frustrating result for the Hawks, who are on the same points tally as they were after three games last season (1W 1D 1L). However, we now move onto our game against FC Baresi at home this Saturday.

It was another fantastic attendance on Tuesday evening, this time of 397. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support, and hope to see you again on Saturday, kicking off at 3pm.