We had a cracking start and should have scored before all the fans had even taken up their positions. A great through ball released Stevenson, but his finish was straight at the Harlow keeper.

Harlow replied with a nice attack of their own but the cross was cleared by Deen. This was looking to be a good game.

On 6 mins a wide ball to Theo and as he left the defenders in his wake a low cross was deflected into the net by Harlow CB. 1-0.

The game was all to and fro, for most of the first half. Bit like a basketball game, but the football was still entertaining.

Then from nowhere we were dealt a massive blow when, what looked like a dubious decision from where I was, a Penalty was given and up stepped Harlow’s Dadson to make it 1-1.

More agony followed when Paul Preston landed awkwardly and severely damaged his shoulder. If you’re gonna hurt yourself, do it properly! All ligaments and a popped shoulder bone. We wish Paul a speedy recovery. His performances this season haven’t gone unnoticed.

In the second half I thought we were the stronger side, we definitely played the better football, and we should have taken the lead when another Stevenson effort floated agonisingly wide of the post with the keeper beaten.

Then Harlow took the lead. The corner was fizzed in and Simms out jumped everyone to head it home.

Totally against the run of play, but there was plenty of time to get back in the game.

And it wasn’t for a lack of trying, attack after attack came with efforts from Stevenson and Holland both coming close.

It was good to see two new signings getting involved as well with both Reynolds and Farrell putting pressure on the Harlow defence.

But in added time, a breakaway goal from Harlow’s Dadson finished us off.

If the 2-1 score line was harsh, 3-1 was just cruel.

All in all it was a good performance and not the result we deserved, but these things happen in football and now we just need to concentrate on the next game.

On another note though, Harlow’s Ground is impressive, and that adds to the atmosphere at the game.

With the go ahead to start works on Aveley’s new stadium now given, it’s exciting times ahead.

Hopefully the new ground will help bring in the fans.

@Sons_of_Aveley
#AveleyFamily