Match Report
Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South
NW London 0-0 Harlow Town
A solid defensive performance from NW London saw them earn a valuable point in a 0-0 draw against top-of-the-table Harlow Town in a Boxing Day clash.
With up to seven players unavailable over the festive period, including key midfielders Javaloyes, Gonzalez, and Melgaco, 17-year-old Bernardino Andeme was given a start. The midfield trio of Gomes, Al Nashi, and Burcea provided support in the middle of the park.
It was a scrappy start to the match, with both teams showing plenty of energy but struggling to create clear-cut chances.
After 25 minutes of stalemate, Harlow began to apply some pressure, sending a few dangerous crosses into the box. However, NW London also started to find their rhythm in attack but lacked the finishing touch in the final third.
As the first half wore on, there were a few close calls. Harlow's Agyemang hit the post following a Levchuk save, while Levchuk was called into action again to deny Zielinski's first-time effort. Just before the break, Andeme went close with a header that drifted wide. It was a lively half with plenty of endeavour, but neither side could break the deadlock.
The second half saw NW London have their best spell of the game. Andeme was unfortunate to see a curling shot bounce off the crossbar, and he was denied from close range by Harlow goalkeeper James Pellin, following a well-constructed opportunity from Gomes.
Harlow, however, continued to push for a goal. Fabian Simms also struck the bar with a header, as both teams sensed an opportunity to snatch a late winner. Krasniqi had a header go wide from a free-kick, while Harlow substitute Cockman was thwarted by Levchuk in a one-on-one, with Zielinski firing wide after the goalkeeper had been sent the wrong way in a collision.
As the match entered its final stages, Harlow applied increasing pressure, but NW London's resolute defending held firm to maintain their clean sheet. The Gorillas did not stop searching for a winner themselves and nearly grabbed all three points in the final moments, when Gomes fired a low shot wide after NW London broke through the middle of the Harlow defence.
In the end, both teams were left with a point apiece, but it was NW London who would be the happier side, given their recent form and the number of key players missing. They now turn their attention to their upcoming clash against Enfield on Saturday.