Early Lead .... But

AFC Manager Jamie Godbold was hoping that his teams’ good form of two away victories would carry onto this home fixture. Things started well but in the end it was a defeat and no points.

With Ryan Henshaw suspended Tyler French came into the back four alongside the two other under nineteen-year olds, Alfie Carroll on his birthday and Aidan Austin. James Baker came back in and played up front as Luke Callander suffered a knock in midweek and was only fit for a place on the bench.

The first attack saw Baker get away and have a shot saved low down by Hughes in the Harlow goal. It was only a minute later that AFC were in front. Sam Bantick got the ball on the right hand side went into the penalty area and found James Baker who slotted home inside the far post.

AFC had an appeal for a penalty turned down when Rob Eagle appeared to be fouled by ex-AFC man Craig Pope. The referee waved away the appeals.

Harlow had a corner that was not cleared properly and following a long throw Sonko headed wide. They followed this up a few minutes later with another effort that ended with Small firing into the side netting.

Carroll up against the very experienced Benjamin and generally stood up to him well but he did get away and Marcus Garnham came out swiftly to block his shot.

Sam Clarke was on the end of a rash tackle by Simms who was booked, however there was the usual handbags from the visitors. Clarke soon picked up his eighth booking of the season taking out Benjamin as he tried to breakaway.

Just before the interval AFC had a couple of chances to increase their lead Eagle overplayed an effort before Bantick had a great shot that was blocked and came out to Eagle who somehow fired wide.

Half Time;- AFC Sudbury 1 Harlow Town 0

Just six minutes after the break Austin did well crossed from the left and the incoming Craig Parker could only put the ball wide when it seemed he must score.

The Essex side replied with both Melaugh and Small having chances one going wide the other saved, then Carroll cleared off the line as the ball bobbled around the AFC goal line.

With twenty minutes left Harlow drew level when a Melaugh cross from the right found the head of Pope and the Harlow skipper headed the ball home.

There was concern when Small took out Parker and the Sudbury man stayed down and had prolonged treatment fortunately he was able to continue. The home side were under pressure for the majority of the half and eleven minutes from time went in front. Small crossed from the left and Austin for some reason stooped to head the ball and diverted it into his own net.

Back from suspension Jordan Blackwell replaced Bantick before a great run by Austin saw him curl a shot around Hughes in the Harlow goal only to see it come back off the far post to where Parker was and he saw his shot cleared off the line by Gordon.

In the final minutes Callander and Liam Wales were thrown into the fray to try and retrieve the situation but it was not to be and Harlow went away with all three points.

Att 272

YNOT