Outstanding defensive performance earns Harwich priceless point

Harwich visited fellow promotion hopefuls Frinton with the bare 11 players and needing to re-schuffle following 3 earlier calls offs and a further 2 this morning through injury to produce an outstanding defensive performance to secure what might be a priceless point come the end of the season.

Frinton dominated the early exchanges passing the ball around confidently and overwhelming the Harwich midfield who were working hard but left chasing shadows at times. The Frinton forwards looked lively and it was evidently going to be a question of whether Harwich could contain Frinton and weather the storm. The pressure continued throughout the half as Harwich were forced to defend deeper and deeper conceding a number of corners and free kicks in dangerous positions but the back 4 in front of Josh held firm and despite having 90% of the play Frinton were restricted to a few speculative shots and half chances which they failed to convert.

Half time

Frinton 0 - 0 Harwich

Harwich re-grouped at half-time with instructions to go more direct and sacrifice their own passing game hoping to catch Frinton on the counter attack. However, the second half started in a similar vain with Frinton in control but with Max winning the aerial battles at the back and the versatile Jim sweeping behind in an unfamiliar role. Full backs Thomas and LJ put in a dogged display with Ryan in particular getting through an enormous about of work in midfield.

In a rare foray, Harwich won a free kick on the edge of the box but Max narrowly headed Will's cross over the bar. Jerome latched onto a few long balls linking up well with Jenson and Ryan as Harwich caused the home defence a few uncomfortable moments and also giving our own back four a breather but it was short lived as Harwich soaked up intense pressure conceding countless corners as Frinton through everything forward in search of a late winner which didn't materialise and Harwich claimed a vital point.

Full time

Frinton 0 - 0 Harwich

The footballing purists probably wouldn't have approved of the Harwich performance today but the boys showed that they can battle and grind out results and they are much needed characteristics to have when the chips are down so well done lads. No fixture next week so hopefully time for the injuries to heel.