Saturday 19th August 2023, the game that many billed as the 'Battle Of Harlow', The game that many Harlow Town fans had been looking forward to the most since being relegated two divisions, the chance to play their former tenants, the opportunity to have bragging rights. To us, though, it was just another game, another team that we wanted to take three points from.

We were missing seven first-team players for this game with injuries, suspensions, and holidays, respectively, but unlike some clubs, we do not use that as an excuse when things don't go our way. We started the game brightly and knew that Harlow had one style of play and that moving the ball quickly would cause problems. In truth, the first half ended up being a battle, with both teams failing to register a shot on target and Halow Town resorting to long punts upfield that Jonny Wilkinson would have been proud of. As the players left the field, Harlow Town went in, arguing amongst themselves, and that carried on into the dressing room.

The second half started, and all that shouting positively affected Harlow Town. In the opening 5 minutes, they hit the woodwork and looked to take control of the game. But we quickly settled down and began playing the ball on the deck as Harlow Town became frustrated again. We knew set pieces would be crucial, and in the 70th minute, that proved correct. Harvey Livings delivered a delightful cross that the Harlow Town defender put into his own goal. The header was so good that we wanted to put a 7-dayer in for him.

Harlow became desperate in the final 20 minutes, but their style stayed the same. The away fans were becoming restless, with many lamenting their style of play and lack of cutting edge. Due to an enforced change of shape, we tried to hit Harlow Town on the counter, and on one occasion, Tyreece Robertson was through on goal. The chasing defender clipped Tyreece, but as he tried to stay on his feet, the goalkeeper could come out and smother the ball. Everyone waited for the referee's whistle to blow. There was no advantage, it would have to be a red card, but the referee waved play on. We had more moments like this, but our final ball was not up to scratch. We could not get it right today.

We now entered the 90-minute mark, and the referee signalled that there would be 7 minutes of injury time. Harlow huffed and puffed, but they never caused any problems throughout the afternoon. Reece White went down with a cramp in his calf after a brilliant captain's display, and the referee now signalled that he would add an extra minute to the seven. We entered 11 minutes into injury time, and nobody knew what was happening. Harlow Town had one last chance to pump the ball into the box, and the deflection of the Harlow Town player hit Emmanuel Odunaike on his thigh before flicking his arm on the way back to the goalkeeper. His hands were in a natural position, and he never once moved them to the ball, but Harlow Town screamed as though their life depended on it. Their fans cried more in hope than expectation. The referee crumbled and awarded the penalty, a kick in the teeth when everyone could see it was never a penalty, not even close. Harlow Town duly dispatched the penalty, and we felt robbed of the three points.

We remain unbeaten, but it felt like a defeat. Little old Cannons Wood only formed four years ago, and here we were, playing against the mighty Harlow Town and being disappointed with a draw. For Harlow Town, it must have felt like a win. By the way, the players celebrated in the changing room. Maybe it was.

We look forward to returning to our former home and town for the return match on Boxing Day.