The first external friendly of the season for the 2nds saw new skipper Kevin Rowland assemble a squad of 12 for the trip down the M11 to renew acquaintances with a Harlow 2nds. This 12 included 6 players whose preferred position was centre-forward (at least as far as your correspondent was aware), so how Kev arranged us into his preferred 4-4-2 was going to be an interesting affair. In fact, to get the team properly organised, a white board was produced on the sidelines with formations and players names on it (ooh, professional!). As goalkeeper ‘Jane’ found out, it’s not wise to rub out and replace how the captain has chosen to (mis)spell your name.

From the opening whistle South gained the upper hand. Good running into the corners from the front pair of Simon and Rob was giving options for a midfield that was working hard to spread the ball wide. Chances were created from a number of sweeping moves as opposition defenders were bypassed with passing triangles, instead of players risking trying to beat their man and getting mugged.

At the other end, the defence was being well organised by Jack Chalk at sweeper. Only a handful of shots, created by individual skill from the opposition rather than slack marking, went in on Jane’s goal in the opening period.

Inside the last five minutes of the half, South took a deserved lead. Kev, picking up the scraps of a previous attack, found midfield partner James in space in the right channel. He was able to advance to the edge of the circle unmolested and fire a shot at the far post (have we been listening in training or something?). There it was met be a defender and the ‘keeper, along with Simon, the ball ricocheting into the net with Simon claiming the score based on the faintest of touches.

The second half opened with a similar pattern of South probing, especially through dynamic right midfielder Matt. Harlow were struggling to clear their lines, and conceding shorts, which lead to a doubling of the lead when Kev converted one with a clean shot into an unguarded corner of the net. South kept the press up, with centre-forward Rob adding a third, on the rebound, on the reverse sweep, ending up on his arse as the ball hit the backboard. Poetry. With that, the game was pretty well up.

Harlow kept plugging away, and finished the match with some pressure on the South goal, as a bit of complacency crept into visitors marking. The closest they came to a consolation was a shot from a short that was heading for the far corner until Jane padded it clear.

The whole team played well. The only slight quibble would be the gap that was allowed to open between midfield and forwards in the last ten minutes of each half. With fitness, that one will hopefully be resolved. A very encouraging start to the season.