Essex Trophy Tie Ends In Stalemate - Brentwood Town vs. Harlow Town

Brentwood throw in the first half.

After an all Sussex Vase tie a couple of weeks ago, it was the turn of the FA Trophy and Essex as I watched Brentwood Town take on Harlow Town. I saw Harlow Town in last season's Trophy, when they came from 2-0 down to defeat Concord Rangers. I'd also been to Harlow's impressive Barrows Farm home for a game against Enfield a couple of years ago. Brentwood were in impressive form in cup competitions this season. In their two matches in the FA Cup they'd scored 11 goals and conceded none!. 

The warm late summer weather continued in Brentwood.

There is a chance in the opening minutes when the Harlow forward gets through after a defensive slip but the Brentwood keeper is alert to make the save. Harlow have another chance soon after when the Brentwood defenders fail to deal with a long ball but the forward can't connect. Brentwood then have a chance of their own but the finish is poor after a ball across the box. Then mid way through the half Harlow win a disputed penalty but the chance is wasted as the Brentwood keeper makes another vital save. The Harlow keeper then flaps a cross but the Brentwood players fail to make him pay.

Dugout side of the ground.

Brentwood have the first chance of the second half when the forward is played through but the keeper is equal to the effort. Brentwood dominate the beginning of the second half but fail to make it count. The Harlow keeper flaps at another ball in to the box but again the home side fail to punish the mistake. The Harlow keeper then makes a save at his near post as the hosts turn the screw. The woodwork is struck in the final moments but the tie ends goalless.

Another view of the stand at The Brentwood Arena

The Brentwood Arena is about a forty five minute walk from Brentwood Station. There are steep hills in both directions so a taxi may be a good option. Trains to Brentwood depart from Liverpool Street every ten minutes and this journey also takes about forty five minutes. About ten minutes from the ground is The Rising Sun which has plenty of ales including ones from The Brentwood Brewery. The clubhouse is welcoming and you can watch the game from here.

A Harlow attack in the first half.