Alresford Colne Rangers 0 -1 Harwich & Parkeston Youth Under 13's Blues

Despite missing several key players Harwich secured a vital win to maintain contact with the leading pack with a superb defensive display against a decent Alresford side who belied their lowly league position.

With several changes in personnel for the second week running, Harwich took time to find their usual passing rhythm and there was little between the sides in the opening exchanges with neither keeper troubled. However, Harwich began to control the midfield as the half progressed with Jenson beginning to pull the strings and Jim looking threatening down the right hand side and it was Jim who broke the deadlock after 20 minutes with a marauding run and excellent finish from a tight angle to put Harwich 1- 0.

Half Time

Alresford 0 - 1 Harwich

Harwich started the second half the brighter and controlled the game in the Alresford half forcing a number of corners and free kicks without creating any significant clear cut chances. However, with Sam struggling with a leg injury and Max and Jim taking knocks, Alresford piled on the pressure with a 10-15 minutes spell, but despite getting lucky with a rasping shot that rattled the cross bar the Harwich back 4 of LJ, Thomas, George and Max in front of George R snuffed out every Alresford attack , blocking shots and making vital interceptions determined to protect their clean sheet and close the game out.

Result

Alresford 0 - 1 Harwich

Jim was a worthy man of the match taking his goal well but this performance was credit to the fringe players who dug in and showed a resolve today that would have been lacking last season as Harwich showed a masterclass in defending to take a well earned 3 points.