MATCH REPORT: Catholic United 2-1 Harold Wood Athletic

Report by Freddie Facey

Catholic United navigated a tense, tightly contested afternoon at the Len Forge Centre to secure a hard-earned 2-1 win over Harold Wood Athletic. Dominic O’Kane and Thomas Kearney were both on target as the Essex Bhoys secured their first league victory of the campaign.

With the hosts held to a 2-2 draw last weekend, Eamonn Kearney’s side were determined to secure their first three points of the season.

An action-packed opening saw attacking intent from both teams, with Harold Wood forwards Cameron Shakes and Max Shephard looking dangerous going forward.

However, at the other end Catholic United’s Thomas Kearney played a superb pass to release Dominic O’Kane, but opposition keeper Charlie Fisher sprinted off his line to clear the danger.

The hosts found the opener in the 17th minute as Dominic O’Kane produced some brilliant footwork before curling his strike into the bottom-left corner, leaving Fisher with no chance.

Catholic could have doubled their lead before the hydration break, as Zachary Wing came close, but his powerful effort was denied by a one-handed save from Fisher.

Following the hydration break, Charlie Portway’s side began to apply pressure on the hosts. Just before the interval, the visitors found their reward, as Archie West blasted a terrific strike into the top-right corner, beating Owen Wells to send both teams into the break level at 1-1.

Half-Time: Catholic United 1-1 Harold Wood

The second half began with the hosts continuing their hunt for a second goal, as clever footwork from O’Kane saw him unlock the Wood defence once again, only for his strike to hit the woodwork.

With Catholic pushing hard to regain the lead, a relentless wave of pressure forced Harold Wood to defend deep in their own half. Thomas Kearney capitalised on some hesitant defending and drove into the final third. Given space near the edge of the box, Kearney unleashed a powerful strike into the right corner to restore the home side’s advantage.

Following the final hydration break, Portway’s side searched for a late equaliser. The visitors continued to threaten down the flanks, with Shephard finding space in the channels and delivering crosses to keep Catholic’s back line alert.

The closing stages of the match saw the visitors still breaking forward, pushing hard to salvage a late point. However, Kearney’s back line stood strong under pressure to deny the visitors and secure a 2-1 victory for the Essex Bhoys.

Full-Time: Catholic United 2-1 Harold Wood Athletic
Venue: Len Forge Centre
Substitutions used: Michael Bernier and Henry Tilley
Referee: Connor Cornell