This win has no more guaranteed Ware a place in the end of season play-offs than a defeat would have killed such hopes. It has however made a difference to the optimism and outlook for the Blues.

The lingering ghosts of two home league defeats, the most recent a controversial one at the hands of Bedford and the other much earlier against these opponents, have both been exorcised. The stuttering run of recent times was put in its place and Ware are left with a clean slate on which to write the remainder of their season.

That the exorcism was carried out by the old hands whilst two new squad members had to bide their time on the bench spoke volumes. Jay Lovell and Alex Warman will have to fight for their places which is doubtless the attitude that Paul Halsey wants to foster.

The only substitute was Albert Adu who came on in added time for his 149th Ware game to replace Josh Williams. The two-goal hero was able to receive the plaudits of the Ware supporters as he walked round the pitch. Of course, in time honoured tradition, the change of personnel also interrupted Harlow’s rhythm as they sought to find an equaliser.

Not that the home side had always been chasing the game. As is sometimes the case Ware were slow out of the traps and Harlow prospered against lack lustre visitors who failed to put much together in the opening half hour.

It was an ominous moment twelve minutes in when Joseph Rider’s free kick on the Harlow right was turned into the net by Craig Alcock in a simple move that exploited a seemingly static Ware defence.

The visitors responded immediately and Liam Hope’s header from Williams’ cross brought a good save out of Ashlee Jones in the Harlow goal. But mostly it was Harlow who looked the more likely to grab the next and significant goal.

That they didn’t says something of Ware’s willingness to fight for every ball and cover for each other. There’s a good feel about this side. Perhaps it was this attitude which encouraged Ware’s gradual entry into the contest.

They started to put their passing game together and might have equalised with ten minutes to half time. Taufee Skandari’s cross was flicked on by Liam Hope to Leigh Rose but he couldn’t get a full connection to the ball which ended going over the bar.

Three minutes later Jones was saving well to keep his side ahead but not for long. James Mulley’s free kick into the Harlow area on 40 minutes was headed across goal by Leigh Rose for Williams to shoot home from close range.

It had become a good period for Ware and a minute into added time Skandari’s cross was met by Williams who headed home for his and his side’s second goal.

Alex Read brought Harlow level four minutes into the second half but Ware, now with the strong wind in their favour, once more grew into the game. Skandari and Williams, always willing to carry the ball forward supported by their full backs, were the essence of Ware’s approach. So it was not entirely surprising when Sakandari was brought down on yet another excursion towards the Harlow goal.

This was in the penalty area however giving Hope the chance to restore Ware’s lead from the spot. His strike was powerful enough to beat Jones even though the keeper clearly and loudly got his gloves to it.

So Ware move back into the play-off places thanks to an all round team effort which included ninety minutes from Rechan Esprit who, surely now, can be regarded as a fully fledged member of the squad.

Ware: Brad Robinson, Marcus Milner, James Mulley, Leigh Rose, Dave Kendall, Chris Arthur, Josh Williams (Albert Adu 92mins), Tom Bruno, Liam Hope, Taufee Skandari, Rechan Esprit. Unused subs: Jay Lovell, Alex Warman, Robbie Buchanan, Mayvin Vigneswaran.