Great Wakering Rovers1

Harlow Town1

(Ryman Div One North)

IN an encounter that was played at a high pace despite the scorching sun, the Hawks had to be content with a share of the points in their first league game of the season.

John Kendall's men started the brighter, with Gary Ansell going the closest on 26 minutes with a shot on the turn that just missed the target.

While the first half finished goalless it took Harlow just one minute after the restart to take the lead when, following a foul on Young, a Glenn Southgate free kick was met by a header by Tony McNally.

The home side made an immediate response and were back on level terms just three minutes later, although in somewhat controversial circumstances.

A Southgate clearance from defence hit the back of Wraight just inside the Harlow half with the ball falling to Gary Ewers, and while he was clearly not off side, the linesman raised a flag, causing some hesitation in the Hawks defence.

Ref Andy Tyne also looked to be stopping play when he placed his whistle in his mouth, but the official waved play on allowing Ewers to break down the right and send over a cross that was buried from close range at the near post by Dan Trenkle.

Both sides went close to finding a winner, though in the end they had to be content with a share of the points.

A disappointed Kendall said: "I thought we didn't look too bad and we should have perhaps been 2-0 up in the first half.

"I thought the decision for their goal was very poor, although we should have kept our concentration.

"I did however see some positive signs out there, although there is still a lot of room for improvement and to bring in a couple more new faces."

The Hawks will now host two home games the first of which is tonight (Wednesday) against Wivenhoe, before they take on Wembley on Saturday.

August 22, 2002 13:00