Match 24. Harlow Town v Wroxham

Saturday 14^th February 2015 @3pm

Ryman League Division 1 North

HARLOW TOWN 1-1 WROXHAM

Harlow Arena, Elizabeth Way, Harlow

Admission: £10

Programme: £1

Attendance: 220

Refreshments: Cheeseburger, £2.50. Guinness, £3.20.

I was going to go to the FA Vase match at Holbeach but was not feeling well on Friday and felt rough early on Saturday so didn’t decide until lunchtime that I was ok to venture out and could only fit in a revisit so chose the safe option of the Harlow Arena 3G.

The ground is found driving through a myriad of roundabouts and had plenty of parking available today as I remembered the problems I had last time I was here on proper grass versus Chelmsford which drew a much bigger crowd and I had to park on a grass verge.  On entering through the turnstiles in one corner of the ground the main stand is on the right hand side, with the standing cover on the opposite touchline, as well as the dugouts.  Hard standing throughout and a small caged 3G immediately inside the turnstiles was in use by some youngsters.  Several goals are stacked up beyond the main stand next to the toilet block I presume for pitch rental on non matchdays.  The directors lounge is at the back of the main stand and the food kiosk and supporters bar is on the side of the main stand.  

The last match I saw on artificial surface was at Maidstone in the rain 18 months ago and I came away with a positive opinion.  This surface however, didn’t enhance the argument for 3G. Although the pitch is nice and flat with a consistent bounce, I thought it bounced too low, like a flat ball and the game is noticeably devoid of sliding tackles and the ability to get right under the ball on taking corners and free kicks.  Apart from these setbacks, the game was still enjoyable, with Wroxham the better side in the first half, and Harlow in charge of the second period. 

Wroxham had already had a shot tipped over the bar earlier on before opening the scoring after 25 minutes.  A long ball from the back was controlled well by Danny White who then turned around the last defender and shot under the keepers outstretched arm into the net.  J King had a close range effort block by the home keeper on the half hour.  Harlow managed to draw level just before the break, when a quick counter attack found Alex Read 25 yards out and he expertly shot over the keeper and just under the crossbar.  The second half drew a blank on goals but Harlow had the best chances to win the match with several good saves made and a diving header just wide of the post with the attacker ending up in the net.  Wroxham did manage a shot against the crossbar and on reflection, a draw was the fair result.