Cray’s hopes of promotion to the Isthmian League Premier were dashed on Wednesday evening as three second half goals saw Harlow Town through to the Playoff Final at the expense of Tony Russell’s battling side.

The best opening of a nervy first half fell to Cray in the twentieth minute with James Duckworth was put through down the right and as goalkeeper David Hughes came out to narrow the angle Duckworth’s effort was drilled wide of goal. 

Harlow took the lead in the 49th minute.  Jared Small who was a threat with his pace burst down the right and then squared the ball across to Junior Dadson who steered the ball home.

Cray were rocked on their heels four minutes later with a rather soft penalty award when Read burst into the box his backheel set up Craig Pope who was adjudged to have been brought down by Dawson and referee Tim Donnellan pointed to the spot.  In the 53rd minute, Read despatched the penalty to give Cray a mountain to climb.

Cray were unlucky when Michael Frieter’s free kick ws pushed onto the crossbar and over by the impressive David Hughes and that proved to be a key moment of the game.

In the 62nd minute Harlow went three nil up and sealed the game when Small again used his pace to set up Piers Wixon for a clinical finish.

Cray:   Nick Blue, Ade Osifuwa, Grant Basey (Michael Frieter, H/T), Jay Leader, Ben Payne, Lea Dawson (Capt.), Sean Roberts, Karl Dent (Jamie Mascoll), Leigh Bremner, James Duckworth, Aryan Tajbakhsh (Dean Carpenter): Subs:  Sam Faulkner, Alex Hyde

Att:      832