Harwich victorious in incident packed match

There was a preview of what was to come after only 3 minutes when the Shrimpers Darren Bethell struck the post with an overhead kick. There was a shock for Harwich in the 13th minute when Hedinghams took the lead, Daryl Johnston losing his bearings and heading the ball into his own net. Harwich were level in the 25th minute when Mark Palmer and Robbie Marks combined to set up the chance which Bethell neatly despacthed. The creative Mark Palmer figured again with Bethell, this time Tom Brannon finished the move to put Harwich in front. In the 42nd minute Hedinghams had a man sent off and Harwich took advantage just before the interval with Bethell increasing their lead. The second half started with Bethell and the Joss Neale having goal bound efforts for Harwich strike the crossbar. Ten man Hedinghams were fighting hard and surprised Harwich when Jamie Chandler headed home to reduce the deficit to a single goal. It was Harwich's Michael Palmer's turn to hit the crossbar with a rasping drive. There was controvery when Harwich thought the ball had cross the goal line before a defender hooked it forward for the ball to be caught by the goalkeeper. It was Hedinghams turn to protest as the Referee ruled this a back pass and Michael Maclachlan scored from the resultant free kick. Marks later scored Harwich 5th goal but there was still time for one more twist with Hedinghams netting their 3rd goal.