Harwich started the match brightly and showed no signs of rustiness despite not having a fixture for 8 weeks, dominating the early exchanges with Ryan making some excellent runs down the left side and were rewarded when James's through ball found Jerome who slotted the ball home after the keeper saved his initial shot after 8 minutes. This stung Bradfords into life as they showed their attacking intent for the first time in the match pressuring the Harwich defence and causing problems with a succession of corners and the equaliser duly followed after 14 minutes.

The game was finely poised as both teams went toe to toe with a mixture of quality passing and hair curling challenges from both sides in equal measure but it was Harwich who regained the initiative with Jerome scoring an explosive first half hat-trick only for Bradfords to reduce the arrears shortly before the break.

Half Time

Harwich 3 - 2 Gt Bradfords

Jenson and George imposed themselves on the game in the crucial midfield battle and Jerome who was a constant thorn in the side of the away defence was brought down inside the box and 'Mr Cool' Lex calmly dispatched the resultant penalty to once again open up a 2 goal lead. Bradfords to their credit refused to through in the towel and the remaining 20 minutes were played out in the Harwich half with Josh in goal pulling off some excellent saves but it was no surprise when the Bradfords best player lashed the ball into the top corner from a tight angle. Constant Bradfords pressure followed and two corners were headed narrowly over and a fierce goal bound drive was headed off the line by Max but the back 4 of Thomas, LJ, Max and James in his unfamiliar sweepers role held firm and despite tiring towards the end the boys held out for a well earned victory.

Result

Harwich 4 - 3 Gt Bradfords

Excellent performances across the pitch today but the man of the match was awarded to Josh in goal.

Match details

Match date

Sun 08 Apr 2018

Kickoff

14:00

Team overview