We Are The Stags Online

Although Harlow probably had 60% of the possession, they had very little cutting edge to their attack and only had two shots on target during the whole match. Conversely, the Stags looked dangerous every time they attacked and could have scored on a number of occasions.

For the opening ten minutes it was Harlow who had the majority of the possession but even from that early stage it was possible to see that the Harlow side lacked any kind of bite up front.

In those early stages it was also obvious that the home attack was much more penetrative with Kanyuka, back to his old form, running at the Harlow rearguard. It took twenty minutes for the first real chance to materialise and that came from a Kanyuka cross which had to be put out for a corner by Kevin Warren.

Soon Stuart Houghton began to make an impression on the left. In the 31^st minute he slammed over a lovely cross which ‘keeper Jamie Riley could only tip onto the onrushing Danny Chapman; the ball cannoned off him onto the post and out for another corner. Another attack and an excellent cross from Kanyuka presaged forthcoming events. On 32 minutes he crossed again for Houghton who put the ball low and hard into the penalty area where Jermain Hughes was running in to score.

An excellent goal from an excellent piece of football.

On 38 Harlow had their first real chance when Tobi Ositola found himself free with the ball 15 yards out and at a 45 degree angle to the goal: he shot but wildly over the crossbar.

Half time came with the Stags looking the more complete, adventurous and composed team.

Once the teams turned around it became obvious how much the wind was behind Harlow in the first half, it was now Forest’s turn to come to terms with it in the weight of the passes.

Harlow tried to push on but the half time pep talk had changed nothing, they still lacked bite and, every time the Stags came forward there was danger for the rather ragged Harlow defence.

It was Matthew Judge who was to pull the first save of the half from Riley, indeed he went on to have an excellent half becoming involved in almost every attack. It was not only Judge who was making a mark; Jermain Hughes’ constant running in defence an attack became a nightmare for the visitors. On 61 minutes hegot to the goal line and cut back a beautiful ball which was just too quick for three Stags attackers to get to.

As the half wore on, the Stags mounted even more attacks but the ball stayed ou of the net due to off sides and some luck. In the end, after 92 minutes Kanyuka rose to head home a corner with the last touch of the match.