AFC bounced back after a couple of disappointing performances to clinch all three points in a positive fashion at The Arena against Harlow Town the team that gained promotion with them last season. A first half goal followed by two second half ones saw them home, the victory only marred by a late red card for AFC.
The sun was shining but it was a blustery day in Essex as AFC kicked off playing in a strange kit of yellow shirts and red shorts, this done supposedly to avoid a colour clash with the home side.
AFC went on the attack straight away with restored to the front line Luke Callander shooting over. A few minutes later a Jack Wilkinson cross was cleared off the line and then James Baker fed off a header from Ryan Henshaw that went just over.
AFC took the lead in the 14th minute Callander and Sam Bantick combined well and Greene appeared to be fouled but the referee allow play to continue and Jack Newman put the ball in the back of the net.
Marcus Garnham had one easy save from ex-AFC man Craig Pope before the keeper excelled with a great save to deny Bishop’s powerful downward header. He then denied Simms following a cross from another ex-Sudbury player in Lawrence Yiga.
AFC attacked and had a four on three situation but Rob Eagle wasted the chance when shot weakly.
Callander had a shot saved before Garnham was again the saviour at the other end, Bishop crossed and Ngamb shot but the Sudbury keeper got down low to save. The home then hit the side netting as they searched for the equaliser.
James Baker at the heart of the AFC defence was performing well despite carrying a knee and groin injury. Just before the break Garnham saved a point blank range effort from Ngamb after Henshaw had slipped to allow him in.
Half- Time;- Harlow Town 0 AFC Sudbury 1
The second period was only five minutes old when a Jack Newman corner found the head of the unmarked Luke Callander to head home.
Harlow came more into the game but they fell to a great counter punch just after the hour mark. Garnham launched a long ball down the middle, the home defence failed to deal with it but the livewire Aaron Greene got to the ball controlled it well and with Hughes well off his line the Sudbury man coolly lobbed the ball over him and it nestled in the back of the net.
A loss of concentration on the left side let in Harlow to pull a goal back, with Eadie beating Ben Robinson near the goal line and finding Ngamb who steered the ball passed Garnham.
Liam Wales and Craig Parker came on the latter after recovering quickly from an ankle injury.
With the game seeming drifting to a quiet conclusion things erupted two minutes from time. Ryan Henshaw saw Ngamb go passed him and the AFC pulled the Harlow mans shirt. The home man took exception to it and the two players came face to face as other players ran towards the altercation. The referee firstly showed a red card to Yiga who had run some thirty yards to get involved, he then sent off the unlucky Henshaw and then Ngamb followed him. It was all an unnecessary end to a game that had not had a rash tackle in it.
AFC collected all three points and returned to Suffolk the happier of the two sides.
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YNOT