Harlow Town1

Northwood3

(Ryman League Division One North)

HARLOW'S promotion ambitions were dealt a blow as league leaders Northwood avenged the 4-1 home defeat inflicted on them early in the season to run out 3-1 winners on Saturday.

John Kendall's men will look back on poor refereeing, after the man in black produced some shocking decisions during the 90 minutes.

The home side took the lead after just 11 minutes, when a long clearance from Gavin King in the Hawks goal caused problems in the Northwood defence and Matt Harrold pounced to fire home.

John Frendo was then brilliantly denied by visiting keeper Rob Bullivant on 16 minutes and just 60 seconds later the scores were level after Dave Sargent netted from the penalty spot following a foul by King on Chris Moore.

By 35 minutes Parker had lost control of the game and he denied Harrold a certain goal, when despite looking as if he was going to play the advantage he blew for a free kick for the home side just as the Harlow man looked to be firing past Bullivant.

The home defence was caught sleeping just two minutes after the break when Kieren Knight was allowed to sweep the ball home following a long throw from Renne Street.

Chris Gell hit the Hawks' bar on 68 minutes, before the game was made safe nine minutes from time when Moore cut in from the left to beat King at his near post.

Harlow will be looking to bounce back in the league tonight (Wednesday) at home to Marlow, before hosting Arlesey Town on Saturday.

January 29, 2003 17:00