The weekend marked Harlow Town's final pre-season outings of the 2024-25 campaign, in anticipation of our opening league game this Saturday at home to Newbury Forest.

With the hosts Cheshunt (a step 3 side) winning the tournament overall, we were notably in solid in both of our games. Having raised money for Carers In Herts, we commend the effort from Cheshunt, and the fans of Cheshunt, Clapton Community and our own supporters, who all supported the cause on Saturday.

Our opening game vs Clapton Community was a quiet one, in which very little happened in truth. It took 40 minutes of the 60 minute game for the deadlock to be broken, which came from a moment in which the Clapton CFC defender hit it against Jack Zielinski, with the ball ending up in the back of the net shockingly.

The only major chance before the opener came from a Clapton Community free-kick, which when the shot was taken, it was a weak effort that glanced wide of the target.

Jack Martin aimed to cause further danger, with Harlow already having the lead, and his left-footed effort from distance was saved onto the post by the Clapton CFC goalkeeper, keeping them in the game.

Jack Zielinski nearly netted a second of the game for himself after skipping past a defender, but at a tight angle, his shot flew wide of the goal.

Unfortunately for Harlow, Dan Heald was unable to prevent Clapton CFC's number 14 from getting his head on it at the back post, and with 10 minutes remaining in the game, the scores were level.

In the final 10, there were only 2 more major chances; a half volley from Clapton CFC's number 22 that was saved heroically by James Pellin, tipping it over the bar, and a chance for Jack Haley for Harlow, who skipped past 2 defedners before narrowly missing the target.

Overall, in what was a fairly even first game, the score reflected that.

Our second game against a very strong Cheshunt side was inevitably going to be a challenge for us, but it was one that we dealt with very well.

Although Cheshunt came close to scoring on many occasions, the Harlow defence did a great job of holding them off. It was clear that the home side were playing with intent, and thirsty for a goal, but we didn't back down, still managing to create a half-chance for Syrus Gordon towards the end of the half, one that he missed the target with.

It was inevitable that the goal was coming for Cheshunt and a header from a corner from Cheshunt's number 5 broke the deadlock in the 37th minute.

A really good strikers' finish from their number 9 doubled their lead 8 minutes later, wrapping up the win for them.

Overall, it was a good test for us against strong opponents, marking the end of our pre-season campaign.

Our focus now turns to our first league game of the season, at home to Newbury Forest this Saturday, kicking off at 3pm.

Please note: Entry to this game and all future home games will be via the South Turnstiles, and Chunky's Burgers will be providing catering for the upcoming season.