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Five Star Harlow Sets Sights On Top Four Finish

18 Mar 2012 By

Harlow Academy 5

Thurrock FC 2

Harlow Academy boss Steve Blaney believes his team are capable of a late surge up the table after they punished a sloppy Thurrock side on Wednesday.

Injury ravaged Harlow, who named only one substitute for the league game, extended their unbeaten streak to three games with the victory.

A delighted Blaney, said: “If I am being greedy a top four finish would be fantastic.

“Today’s the first time this season that we’ve secured back-to-back wins and more importantly kept a clean sheet in the second half.”

In truth, the game was a lot closer than the scoreline suggested, however a poor attacking display in the first-half by the visiting side cost them dearly as they struggled to finish their chances.

With both sides intentions set solely on attack gaps appeared across the back throughout. Harlow exposed the open space first, Billy Jones burying a loose ball ten minutes in, but Thurrock were gifted a goal seven minutes later when Tyler Nile’s sliced clearance found his own net .

The home side were made to go with five in midfield on the half hour mark – Nile going off injured. The formation change paid off though, a 33rd minute punt forwards deceived Thurrock’s centre-back pairing allowing Remi Richards through to lob the on-rushing keeper.

Thurrock drew level soon after, converting a penalty on the 37th minute mark. Injury time madness then ensued, Harlow taking advantage of poor defending to score two in two minutes.

The break did little to quell the forward thinking hosts, Lewis Francis’ 54th minute goal putting the game beyond doubt, ensuring Harlow took all three points.

Filed Under: Sport

Harlow show attacking class to demolish Tottenham Hotspur 9-3

07 Dec 2011 By

Harlow Academy 9-3 Tottenham Hotspur

By Jay Jaffa at Paringdon Sports Club

JACK Leachman’s second hat-trick of the season helped Harlow Academy thrash Tottenham Hotspur 9-3 in blustery conditions on Wednesday.

The win means manager Steve Blaney’s side bounced back from a 2-0 home defeat last week in emphatic style.

However, for Blaney, the size of the win meant little, suggesting that “we learnt more last week when we lost 2-0 to Halstead”.

Harlow sported a number of changes to the first team including a start for striker Lewis Francis as Blaney adopted a 4-4-2 formation. Francis took the place of Billy Jones, who is again involved with Enfield Town.

Further changes saw usual captain Danny Pinnuck absent having been called to represent Essex, but better news saw midfielder Leachman return to the fold having missed the majority of the game against Halstead.

After an even first ten minutes, Harlow fell behind to Tottenham following a good move down the right flank. However, Harlow showed their resilience by scoring two quick goals through Leachman and Francis five minutes later to take the lead.

Despite a second goal for Tottenham, that would be as close to Harlow as they would get for the remaining 70 minutes as the home side took advantage of some woeful defending.

By half-time Harlow had a 6-2 lead with Leachman and left winger Ricky Ward on hat-tricks. Striker Jake Goddard scored the other goal.

Leachman was unfortunate not to have secured a first-half hat-trick as his dipping 30 yard volley hit the post.

Leachman almost broke the second-half deadlock but was denied by a superb sprawling save from the Tottenham goalkeeper, clawing a 20 yard drive out of the top corner.

Just minutes later Goddard weaved his way through the Tottenham defence to open a chance that he took clinically to make it 7-2.

Also on a hat-trick, Goddard should have taken home the match-ball. Frustratingly he shot wide when played through by a glorious pass from substitute Remi Richards – younger brother of Galatasaray and Turkey international Colin Kazim-Richards.

With ten minutes remaining Harlow grabbed another goal through right back Jake Everett who tapped in a rebound after Ward’s long range effort was parried by the Tottenham keeper.

Ward’s hat-trick failed to materialise but Leachman’s did as he flicked the ball over the Tottenham defence in the dying minutes and ran on to his own pass. As the keeper advanced, Leachman placed his shot inside the near post.

“I was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet,” said coach Blaney. “I would have preferred a 6-0 than a 9-3”

Harlow Academy face Cambridge United next week in the league’s youth cup competition at Paringdon Sports Club.

A round-up of all 12 goals:

0-1: a Tottenham central midfielder played his right winger in behind the Harlow defence and he crossed low for the number nine to tuck home.

1-1: battle for possession on the left saw Gino Miller win the ball for Matt Hook, who in turn played Leachman in and he coolly slotted in at the near post.

2-1: Harlow catch Tottenham defence trying to play the ball out of the defence and Jake Goddard squared for Lewis Francis to fire into the bottom left corner.

2-2: loss of possession in the left-back position meant Tottenham’s superior numbers could flood inside and take advantage of the space available. Low finish by number eight.

3-2: Tottenham goalkeeper sees his pass intercepted by Aghd “Ike” Ayesemuate and he rolled the ball to Jake Goddard to score with a first time shot.

4-2: Tottenham keeper plays the ball into his central midfielder who is tackled by Goddard. The Harlow striker found Leachman who saw his initial effort saved, but pounced on the rebound to get his second goal.

5-2: Jake Everett’s long throw from the right is headed home unopposed by left winger Ricky Ward.

6-2: Leachman played a long diagonal pass into the box where Ricky Ward found enough space to hit a first time half-volley low into the Tottenham goal.

HT

7-2: Jake Goddard shimmied through the Tottenham defence and finished low for his second of the game.

8-2: Ricky Ward’s long range strike was parried by the Tottenham keeper but Jake Everett was on hand to tap in the rebound.

9-2: Tottenham keeper’s clearance is controlled by Leachman in central midfield. He flicked the ball over the defence, ran onto his own pass and found the bottom corner for his hat-trick.

9-3: Consolation for Tottenham as a lob from distance found the net.

Filed Under: Sport

Harlow succumb to professional performance from Halstead

01 Dec 2011 By

Harlow Academy 0-2 Halstead Town

By Jay Jaffa at Paringdon Sports Club

HARLOW Academy lost 2-0 to Halstead Town on Wednesday but had goalkeeper Sam Pavey to thank for keeping the scoreline respectable.

Goals for Halstead in either half secured an impressive win over a Harlow side that manager Steve Blaney thought had “turned the corner” after last week’s 2-1 victory over Bishops Stortford.

Blaney had to contend with a couple of absentees from the starting eleven, most notably striker Billy Jones who was set to play for Enfield Town Reserves later that evening, and Jack Leachman who had played for Eton Manor the previous day.

It has been a turbulent season for Harlow following promotion and this was the first game in which they have failed to find the net this season – underlining the importance of Jones and Leachman.

Unfortunately having the second worst defensive record in their league has cost the side recently and were it not for Pavey’s performance, Harlow could be sitting on a record even poorer.

Pavey made a number of crucial saves, particularly in the second half to prevent Halstead running away with the game.

However there was little he could do in the ninth minute as he was left exposed by a ball over the top of the Harlow defence, to which the opposition’s number nine collected and slotted low into the home team’s goal.

Despite the early setback, Harlow did muster a half-chance minutes later as the visiting goalkeeper contrived to spill a relatively tame shot from distance. He did make amends by smothering the rebound though and put paid to Harlow’s best opportunity for an equaliser.

As the first half meandered on, the match began to resemble the changing weather. As the bright sunshine turned to grey clouds and driving rain, so the standard of football declined.

Possession was hard to come by and the rest of the first half was notable only for a booking for Harlow captain Danny Pinnuck after an overly-aggressive swipe at Halstead’s right winger.

Harlow, who were lacking some much needed invention in the final third approached the second half more positively. It is not the first time that Harlow have been trailing at half time and the reaction is always a positive one.

Even though more pressure was exerted on the Halstead back-line, Harlow were sucker-punched in a moment of controversy.

Referee Stuart Cheek had already provided a few moments of dubious decision making, turned down appeals for what seemed a certain Harlow penalty as the lone number nine twisted and turned before being sent to the ground under a clumsy tackle.

Play was waved on however, and the resulting counter attack led to Halstead’s second goal as another through ball split the Harlow defence. This time the visiting team’s number ten showed his composure to tuck the ball away for a 55th minute winner.

Blaney said of the penalty claim: “I’ve seen them given, but overall they deserved to win.

“I’m disappointed. It looked like we’d turned the corner last week after beating Bishops Stortford 2-1.

“That’s the first time we’ve not scored this season.”

Even the introduction of Jones and Leachman failed to provide enough impetus to add a Harlow name to the goalscorers list.

Half-chances went begging but in truth Halstead defended well all game and limited a usually free-scoring home team to efforts from range.

Harlow have two exciting fixtures approaching, starting with a Tottenham community side on Wednesday 7th December and Cambridge United the week after.

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Harlow Town Football Club avoid administration devastation

16 Nov 2011 By

HARLOW Town Football Club escaped going into administration on Monday.

Mr Registrar Derret dismissed the HM Revenue and Customs winding-up petition at the High Court after it was confirmed that the club has paid off it’s outstanding tax debts.

IanB, a fan of the club, praised the owners. On a fans forum message board, he said: “This is fantastic news. I’m sure the owners have their own long term plans for the club and now this is behind us we can hopefully look forward to a sustainable future for the club.”

In October, owner Tommy Cunningham moved to reassure fans that the clubwould not be allowed to go into administration.

The club, which moved into its new Barrows Farm ground in 2006, was thought to have owed £42,000 in tax to the HMRC.

Had the amount not been paid in full by 14th November, an official receiver would have been appointed to sell off the clubs assets until the £42,000 had been raised and repaid.

The club are the latest in a long line of football clubs to have been issued with winding-up petitions. Notable examples include Portsmouth FC and Plymouth Argyle, both have been plunged into administration in the last few years.

The team can now focus their attention fully on building upon the decent start they have made to the season. They welcome Heybridge Swifts to Barrow Farm on Saturday.

Filed Under: Sport

Harlow fight back to earn dramatic draw against Romford

02 Nov 2011 By
By Matt Abbott
HARLOW Academy’s rollercoaster start to the season continued as a last gasp equaliser from midfielder Charlie Curtin spared Harlow’s blushes in a six goal thriller.

Off the back of a 7-1 drubbing in their last match, Harlow were looking to make amends as they become accustomed to life in a higher division of the Football Alliance Conference, following promotion last season.

Romford, who sat second from bottom of the Southern B Division before today’s encounter, travelled to Harlow with only 11 men and without a recognised Goalkeeper. Harlow were handed a further advantage as a recurring back injury to the Romford left winger meant the visitors effectively played the second half with 10 men.

But in a match in-keeping with their tumultuous start to the season, an enthralling second half saw the hosts take a point on a chilly autumnal afternoon at Paringdon Sports ground, as they showed great spirit and resolve to fight back from two goals down.

After the match, Coach Steve Blaney seemed pleased with the result but rued not taking advantage of the extra man. He said: “I thought in the first half we were very good but in the second half I don’t know what happened to us. But we dug in and managed to nick a point.”

“I think the 10 men is an indictment on us. We didn’t make enough of the advantage; we need to see a few more leaders on the pitch.”

Harlow were boosted by the return of first choice goalkeeper James Russell, having conceded 15 goals in their first four matches this season.

A reshuffled back four limited Romford to only several half-chances in the first half and Harlow took the lead themselves after 28 minutes. Jake Goddard leapt above the Romford left back to meet Billy Jones’ cross and head beyond the Romford centre back playing in goal.

After the break Romford were lucky not to concede a penalty, when one of their defenders moved his right elbow out to block Goddard’s cross.

Six minutes into the second half though, the injured Romford winger, moved up front at half time presumably in a bid to keep him out of harm’s way, played a delightful through ball for Romford’s equaliser.

10 minutes later, Romford took the lead as their right winger, who caused all sorts of problems throughout the second half, cut the ball back from the touchline for a Romford forward to tap the ball home.

Rhys Watkins and Henry Dodson came on for Harlow and Curtin was pushed up into midfield. However Romford doubled their lead after 75 minutes, Russell beaten from 10 yards as the Romford shot crashed in off the underside of the bar. The first half hard work of the defence had been well and truly undone.

But the prolific Billy Jones scored his sixth goal in five games to give Harlow a lifeline with 10 minutes remaining. Collecting Jack Leachman’s pass on the edge of the box, he unintentionally span around his marker and rifled a shot in off the bar from 12 yards.

In the dying moments, Leachman began to pull the strings in midfield as an exhausted Romford started to fade. Harlow’s equaliser came two minutes from time as Leachman, unmarked on the edge of the 6 yard box, headed a cross straight at the goal keeper who parried the ball into Curtin’s path. The midfielder, who had started the game at centre-half made no mistake from 8 yards, rescuing a point for his side. That was his third goal in three games.

Steve Blaney added that the team need to become a little more physical: “We could be a bit meaner and do the dirty stuff better because we play some lovely football. We’re too nice and lacking that killer instinct.”

Filed Under: Harlow College, Sport

Jack’s hat full of tricks rescues point for Harlow

14 Oct 2011 By

Wednesday 12th October 2011, 14:00
Football Conference Youth Alliance League – Match Day 3

HARLOW ACADEMY 5-5 TILBURY

By James Prentice at Paringdon Sports Club

JACK Leachman bagged a deserved hat-trick to rescue a point for Harlow Academy in a ‘10-goal thriller’ at home to Tilbury.

In-form Striker Billy Jones was also amongst the goals, scoring twice to add to his hat-trick against Boreham Wood in Harlow’s previous fixture.

Their efforts however, could not overshadow Harlow’s defensive frailties, as they failed to take the lead once during the 90 minutes.

Tilbury broke the deadlock in the 3rd minute when a corner found an unmarked player in acres of space at the front post, who volleyed past Goalkeeper Rees Cook from close range.

But Leachman had other ideas. Two minutes later, the number seven leaped above a packed penalty area to direct Danny Pininucic’s long throw past the Tilbury keeper with notable precision, finding the far post.

Despite the equalizer, Harlow struggled to gain a foothold during the early exchanges. The visitors took advantage of this when in the 12th minute; an early ball over a poorly executed offside trap found a striker who side-footed the ball past Cook.

Leachman then took matters into his own hands once again. With 17 minutes on the clock, Leachman used his skill to hold up the play deep in the oppositions half. Avoiding a challenge, he stopped to look up, spotted the Tilbury keeper off his line and unleashed a dipping effort that proved too much for his stretched fingertips. The hat-trick was on!

Before you knew it however, Harlow were trailing yet again. A 36th minute free-kick, midway in the home sides’ half failed to be dealt with, eventually falling at the feet of an unmarked Tilbury player who slotted home easily. Manager Steve Blaney appeared justifiably concerned, perhaps itching to get his team back in the dressing room and address the obvious issues.

The second half began in much the same vein as the first with the visitors doubling their lead after just 30 seconds, thanks to some slack marking which allowed an unmarked Tilbury forward to walk straight into the path of a low pass across the 6-yard box, he simply couldn’t miss.

Again though, Harlow conjured up the spirit that saw them win the League last season. On 49 minutes, Craig Whitaker measured an inch-perfect pass behind the defence for in-form striker Billy Jones. Jones used his pace to get away from the opposition before calmly slotting the ball across the keeper and into the corner of the goal with a side-footed effort.

He then doubled his tally four minutes later to cap a marvellous Harlow move and level the game at 4-4. Jack Gilderstone showed quick feet and an incredible turn of pace to get away from two defenders on the edge of the Tilbury box. Breaking down the right, Gilderstone then fired in a precision low cross for Jones, who finished comfortably in the 6-yard box.

The comeback was shortlived. The home team failed to deal with another deep free kick, allowing an unmarked player to meet it with his head, directing it past Cook despite his best efforts.

There was still however a final twist in this quite surreal game of football. On 65 minutes, Leachman galloped into the penalty area and appeared to be brought down uncomfortably by a Tilbury defender. His appeals for a spot-kick were quickly dismissed by the referee. He must have been destined to write the headlines however, as just one minute later, the ball fell to him inside the box. Without a doubt, Leachman tucked the ball past the desperate keeper to level the score line once again with his third goal of the afternoon.

Both sides had the chances to win it as the game drew to a close. Tilbury were denied by post and Rees Cook who performed a splendid outstretched save, high to his left to deny a 1-on-1 opportunity. Hat-trick hero Leachman then showed fancy footwork inside the tilbury box with just a quarter of an hour to go but uncharacteristically blasted the ball over the bar.

Speaking after the game, Leachman said: “The defending should have been better and I should have scored at the end”. His ruing of a miss opportunity was further echoed by Manager Steve Blaney, who added: “We worked hard to score our goals – they didn’t have to”, “If you score five goals you should win – no matter what level you play at.”

Filed Under: News, Sport

Harlow Women Run to the Beat in Half Marathon

05 Oct 2011 By

13.1 miles later: Catherine Jones and Naomi Staines proudly receive their medals

Members of Harlow Running Club joined the sea of purple in this year’s London Run To The Beat half marathon.

Over 17,000 runners took part in the fourth anniversary of the race which starts and finishes at the O2 Arena. The event featured motivating music and exclusive performances as competitors completed a circuit around London.

Harlow runners included Naomi Staines, Catherine Jones and Joanne Chung, who all achieved new personal bests.

For many of the Harlow women, this event was their debut half marathon and has followed months of dedicated training.

They are now awaiting the results of next year’s London Marathon ballot - to be revealed later this month - to learn if they will be running the full marathon in April 2012.

Filed Under: Sport

Kenny Sansom: “Whenever I see Ian Wright, he shouts, ‘Oi, Legend!’”

09 Jun 2011 By

 

By Alexander Robertson

BEFORE Ashley Cole, there was Kenny Sansom.

Football fans of a younger generation may struggle to think of any left-back that was as consistent and ever-present as Cole has been for England for the last decade.

But for many older fans the position is just as synonymous with Kenny. He was an ever-present for his country between 1979 and 1988, and with 86 caps to his name is the 10th most capped player to ever play for England.

In fact, Kenny was the highest capped full-back ever for the Three Lions, until that man Cole played against Denmark last month.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t gutted,” laughs Kenny, half-joking. “But he’s a top-quality player and bloke so I’d never begrudge him the honour. Plus, I’ve got more international goals so I’ve got the better of him there.”

“We were pretty alike in the way we play, bombing up the wing and trying to get a cross in. There wasn’t many ‘attacking’ full-backs around at the time and i think that’s what gave me the edge when it came to being picked for England.

The similarities between the two do not stop there. Both saw their careers first flourish whilst at Arsenal, where Kenny captained the club to League Cup triumph over Liverpool at Wembley in 1987.

“It was so important for that side to win that final, because we had mostly under-performed through-out the 1980s and the fans hadn’t seen the Arsenal win a trophy since 1979.”

Harrier's Alexander Robertson meets Kenny Sansom

In fact, Kenny points out similar comparisons to that side to the Arsenal side of today, who lost to Birmingham City  last week in this season’s League Cup final.

“I was so gutted for the fans that day. They haven’t won anything for seven years and winning that final would have been a great incentive for them to kick on and win some more trophies.

“After we won the League Cup in ‘87, Arsenal went on to win the championship twice in the next three years. You can’t help but think what might have been with this side.”

Despite the growing discontent among the Arsenal faithful, and in particular the recent criticism of manager Arsené Wenger, Kenny still thinks that the Frenchman is the best man for the job.

“You can’t knock him. What he’s done for the club is unbelievable. Two doubles and a brand new 60,000 stadium would be a massive achievement for any club in world football.”

“He’s changed the whole philosophy at Arsenal. There’s a different mentality these days to when I was playing. They have vitamin injections and diet schedules.

“We used to eat fish and chips and curries and go out drinking the day before a game.

“The press used to call us the Tuesday Club,” recalls Kenny, a grin cracked across his face. “We would all go out and drink and turn up the next morning at training out of our heads.

“It was important for camaraderie. Me and players like ‘Champagne’ Charlie [Nicholas] and Perry [Groves] were all close mates and I’m not sure that relationship exists in this Arsenal side.

As for the upcoming transfer window, Kenny would surprise many with what he would spend his money on if he were Arsené Wenger.

“I’d go for someone like Kevin Davies. He’s a proper, English centre forward; big, strong, can hold the ball up. I think he would be a star for Arsenal.

“[Robin] van Persie is a classy striker, but he doesn’t bully the English defences like Kevin does and I think Arsenal could do with some steel about them.”

Although Sansom doesn’t see himself becoming a part of the Arsenal staff any time soon, he does like to keep in close contact with the club.

“I currently do commentary for the Arsenal TV channel as well as ‘Legend’ tours of the stadium, which I love as you get old and young fans coming along and the tour appeals to them for different reasons.

“The club means a lot to me and I think I mean a lot to it, too. Whenever I see Wrighty, [Ian Wright] he always shouts, ‘Oi, legend!’ and coming from someone like him shows that I left my mark during my time here.”

As for that man Cole again?

“Well they decided to put my name up on the ‘Legends’ mural around the stadium over his, so I guess I’ve got the better of him once again.’

For Arsenal fans, I am sure that it is a no-contest.

Filed Under: Sport

Harlow footballer signs for Premier League giants Arsenal

08 Jun 2011 By

Charlton Athletic's Carl Jenkinson gets away from Carlisle United's Tom Taiwo

By Alexander Robertson

HARLOW-born Carl Jenkinson has become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window.

The 19-year-old defender has signed from League One side Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £1,000,000.

Jenkinson, who holds a British and Finnish dual-nationality and has played for both countries at youth level, made his debut for the Addicks in December and went on to feature eight times last season.

The versatile right-footer can play anywhere across the back-four and at 6ft 1in will bring much needed height to the Arsenal backline.

Jenkinson had been at Charlton since he was eight-years-old and despite leaving to join his “boyhood club”, says he will miss the South London side.

“I hope supporters will understand why I can’t turn down such an opportunity, but Charlton will always have a place in my heart,” said Jenkinson.

“I will always be in Charlton’s debt for the training they have given me since a young age.

“I’m grateful to the club’s academy and all the coaching staff, so I’m delighted the two clubs have come to an agreement.”

Charlton chief-executive Stephen Kavanagh said: “This is a great move for Carl, and it’s difficult to stand in the way of a player when a club the size of Arsenal expresses interest, particularly if, like Carl, you come from an Arsenal-supporting family.

“I would like to thank Carl, his father and Arsenal for their professional manner in dealing with matters.”

Arsenal have also tied England youngsters Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke to long-term deals, along with Dutch youth international midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup.

 

Filed Under: Sport

Harlow Academy heading for the big leagues

12 May 2011 By

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Harlow Academy visit the Norwich City F. C. training ground

By Alexander Robertson

HARLOW College’s football academy is hoping to improve on this season’s title-winning success by moving into the big leagues of youth football.

The Harlow academy side won the Essex County Council league for the first time ever this month under the tutelage of coaches Steve Blaney and Matt Waldron.

One side they beat to the title was the so-called ‘Manchester United’ of the district, Barking Abbey – an academy whose alumni include Chelsea captain John Terry and Fulham striker Bobby Zamora.

Despite their achievements this season coaches Blaney and Waldron have no intention of resting on their laurels.

The academy is hoping to move into the FA Youth Conference League by the start of next season, where they will be pitted against professional clubs such as Dagenham and Redbridge F. C., Bishop’s Stortford F. C. and Luton Town.

The college side would also be allowed to compete in the FA Youth Cup, where they could be drawn against any one of 92 football league sides in England.

“We’ve had a great season this year,” said Blaney, 34, “but we want to progress, we don’t want to stand still and be happy with our achievements.”

Blaney, an ex-West Ham player who played for both the England U15s and the Wales U21s, believes this season has been the highlight of his eight-year tenure as a coach at Harlow college.

“I’d say this is the best side we’ve had at the college, at least since I first came here.”

Ex-Cambridge United youngster Waldron, 30, added: “We’ve had good, quality players this year which has gone a long way to helping us have the season we’ve had.

Harlow Academy play Norwich F.C. in a friendly game

“That’s something that is extremely hard to find at this level so in that sense we’ve been lucky.

“Take Billy Jones for example,” added Waldron, “he was released by Cambridge United last year, and after coming to us he’s finished top goalscorer and there’s a lot of interest in him from clubs now.

Despite the jump in class the promotion to the FA Youth Conference league would bring, Blaney and Waldron do not intend to just make up the numbers.

“I definitely think we can compete and even finish quite high up if we can keep hold of some of the boys and add to quality,” said Waldron.

“We beat Romford 2-1 earlier in the year in a friendly without our strongest line-up, so there’s certainly reason to be optimistic.”

 

Harlow Academy to hold trials for upcoming season: http://harlowharrier.co.uk/2011/05/harlow-academy-to-hold-trails-for-big-season/

Filed Under: Sport
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