Harlow Town 0 – 2 Stags

Harlow took the initiative for the early part of the match without much to show for their efforts but could have taken the lead on 16 minutes when Ashley Taylor-Forbes missed a golden opportunity shooting wide from close range.

That was the last real chance Harlow were to get as the Forest defence, marshalled by Ryan Oliva, with Michael Filletti and Ben Gracey fielding everything in the air, shut the door on further Harlow attacks.

On 23 minutes Forest took the lead after some great work on the right by Victor Boyle-Renner who, through his tenacity, won the ball at the byline and cut it back for Pedro Knight to sell a dummy to a defender allowing Robert Carter to shoot home from 18 yards.

Forest stayed solid for the rest of the half and took command of the game on 50 minutes with a second Robert Carter goal. This came after a free kick in the middle of the Harlow half which Ben Gracey collected on the left wing. His quick cross was powerfully lobbed over Harlow ‘keeper Ashley Harris who could only help the ball on as it went into the empty net.

Carter could have had a third on 66 minutes if it were not for a brilliant diving save by Harris. Forest remained on the attack and looked comfortable for their 3 points.