Harwich win a tough battle

After 25 evenly contested minutes, Harwich scored what was to prove the vital goal when Darren Bethell broke away down the right hand flank and scored with an excellent shot into the corner of the net. Great Bentley fought back but just before half time the Shrimpers mounted a strong spell of pressure and the visitors goalkeeper Alex Young made some fine saves from Joss Neale and Tom Brannon to keep his side on terms.
Striker Steve Oldhamstead had good scoring chances, seeing his lobbed shot go just wide and then was blocked when he was clean through. Mark Palmer and Joss Neale were dominant in the Harwich midfield but up front their attackers could not penetrate the determined Great Bentley defence. Consequently Harwich faced a nervous finish to the game but their own defence also performed well and did not allow Great Bentley any clear cut scoring chances.