Harlow will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of just missing out on the league title by a single point. After 46 matches, the Hawks had obtained an incredible 103 points, but it wasn’t enough to pip champions Needham Market to top spot.

Thurrock meanwhile finished the campaign in fifth place, on 84 points – 19 points behind the Hawks. History tells us that league places now count for nothing, and in the true spirit of a cup tie it is the best team on the day that will progress to Sunday’s final.

Thurrock started the season strongly, but a poor run in November and December saw them drop down the league table. An impressive run-in, comprising only two league defeats in the last 14, clinched the final playoff place.

Harlow’s final game of the season finished with a 2-1 win over Thamesmead in front of a huge crowd. The Hawks have won four, drawn one and lost one of the last six matches, and that defeat is the only loss in the last 13 matches. Thurrock’s recent record is identical, returning 13 points from their last 6 games, and they were on a four game winning streak before losing to Brightlingsea Regent on the last day of the league campaign.

A large attendance is once again expected, so arrive early if possible and follow the travel and parking advice on the website.

The address for the stadium is:

Harlow Town Football Club
The Harlow Arena
Elizabeth Way
Harlow
Essex CM19 5BE

Once the on-site car park is full, an overflow car park is available at Cannons Brook Golf Club, situated a short walk along Elizabeth Way. Additional legal on-street parking is also available in Barrows Road and Harolds Road, both in The Pinnacles industrial estate off Elizabeth Way, from 7pm.

Kick off is at 7:45pm (turnstiles open from 6:15pm), on Wednesday 29th April 2015.