Harwich continue good start to the season

Harwich suffered an early setback when they lost key central defender Ben Hammond with a recurrance of a injury which is now likely to see him sidelined for a month. James Sayer came on and did a good job. The Shrimpers took the lead in the 11th minute when Craig Martin created the opening for Robbie Marks to score with a first time finish. Mersea came close when skipper Luke Passfield's shot clipped the post. Harwich stand in goalkeeper Richard Traynor also made a couple of good stops as the Islanders made it a competitive opening. The Shrimpers got on top and increased their lead in th 33rd minute when Jake Neale headed home. Just before half time Harwich captain Daryl Eagle made it 3-0 with a strike from the 18 yard box. There was bad news for Harwich when Eagle had to visit hospital and they learned that he had suffered a double fracture of the wrist.
Mersea had a good spell at the start of the second half and reduced the arrears in the 50th minute when Neale headed a long free kick into his own net. However Harwich proved the better team and regained their three goal advantage when substitute Leroy Eade put the ball through for Martin to run on and score with a smart finish.