Chatham Town 1 Harlow Town 1

Chatham Town manager Steve Binks made one change from Saturday's line up with Andy Larkin returning to central defence, thus moving Tom Binks forward to right midfield, writes Neil Sanders.

In a very disappointing first half, Chatham were under pressure early on and had Kevin Fewell to thank for a great save after 14 minutes to keep out a 25 yard volley from Greg Williams.  Fewell saved again two minutes later to foil Tobi Ositola, as Chats continued to struggle.

It was no surprise when Harlow took the lead on 19 minutes. Chatham's defence were outnumbered as a cross from the left found Kenny Davis unmarked at the back post and he provided a good finish to give Fewell no chance. 

Steve Searle's continuing injury problems unfortunately meant he had to go off after 22 minutes, with Jim Lyons slotting in alongside Steve Best in the middle.  Chats one shot on target in the first period was deflected through to the visitors keeper.

The second half was a different story. Whatever the manager's words of wisdom were, they did the trick.

Rob Denness was cautioned seconds after the break. However, his commitment in the challenge symbolised the edge Chatham had been lacking in the first half.

Within eight minutes the scores were level. The ball was played in to Denness, who turned his opponent before unleashing an unstoppable right foot shot into the roof of the net, from a seemingly difficult angle.

Andy Larkin then went close with a header, whilst at the other end, Danny Larkin did well to prevent the dangerous Ositola from restoring Harlow's lead.

Chats latest recruit, Hicham Akhazzan, was given his debut in the last ten minutes and showed good pace and touch. He had the last shot on goal with two minutes remaining, but his effort on the turn was saved at the second attempt by Harlow's former Erith & Belvedere and Ashford Town goalkeeper Jani Seitsonen.

Steve Binks commented afterwards that this game felt like a point gained after the 1st half performance, whereas Saturday's draw at Potters Bar seemed more like two dropped. 

* Wingate & Finchley are the visitors to Maidstone Road on Saturday (3pm).

Chatham Town: Fewell, Boyle (Brooks 74), D.Larkin, A.Larkin, Bourne, Best, Binks, Searle (Lyons 22), Billenness (Akhazzan 79), Denness, B.Walker.  Subs: Miles, Long.