Superb Harwich so close to major cup upset in a pulsating match !!

Playing away to top A-league side Holland FC, Harwich could have been forgiven for greeting this league cup tie with a sense of trepidation but the boys were clearly focused and well drilled and almost came away with a famous victory having lead 3-0 at half time giving their hosts an almighty scare but in the end just failed to get across the finishing line.

Harwich started the match well and looked like they meant business winning the majority of the 50/50's with the gamble of playing Lex alongside Jerome up front paying dividends as they caused the home defence some uncomfortable moments and it was no surprise when Harwich opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Jerome raced onto a through ball by the ever impressive Ryan and lobbed the advancing keeper and into the roof of the net.

5 minutes later Harwich extended the lead when a thunderous half volley from outside the box from Lex beat the home keeper all ends up. With the half coming to a close Jerome found space on the edge of the box and scored with a terrific finish and then proceeded to hit the post with a vicious drive as Harwich took a deserved half time lead and left Holland utterly shell-shocked.

Half Time

Holland 0 - 3 Harwich

Harwich new Holland would through everything at them in the second half and looked to defend in numbers with Max and George throwing themselves into challenges supported by Jenson at CDM and full backs LJ and Thomas defending really well as did Will and James in front of them but the half was only 5 minutes old when a fierce drive by the Holland striker was superbly parried by George R in goal but Holland reacted first for an easy tap in. Harwich recovered the initiative for a brief period as Jerome thumped the woodwork again and the Holland keeper pulled off a fantastic save from Lex.

However as the match progressed Harwich began to tire and were pushed further back and forced to defend a succession of corners but inevitably further goals followed despite George's heroics in goal in his best performance of the season as Holland pegged the score back to 3-3. Harwich re-grouped as extra time was looming but a quick break lead to Holland scoring the winner with 4 minutes left on the clock to book their place in the next round.

The boys can feel rightly proud of the progress they have made regardless of what the rest of the season has in store. They pushed a top A-league team all the way today who have won their 2 previous league games 6-0 and 8-0 respectively, and can take some consolation from the complimentary words from the home manager at the end of the game.

Back to the bread and butter league action next week away against a tough Great Bradfords side in what promises to be a real 6 pointer.

Full Time

Holland 4 - 3 Harwich