Harwich lose in high scoring match.

Harwich made a great start in the 5th minute when a defender handled and Darren Bethell gave them the lead from the penalty spot. Gas Rec were soon on level terms with the clever Aston Firkins beating marker and giving keeper Nick Goodwin no chance of saving his shot. Lee Braddon then put Gas Rec into the lead with a cracking 20 yard drive. Harwich came close to a quick equaliser when the home keeper advanced and Craig Martin's lob was only inches over the crossbar. The Shrimpers did well not to conceed again and at half time were still in the game.
However their hopes receeded ten minutes into the second half when Eldon Craig increased Gas Rec's lead with a powerful header and then 3 minutes later Luke Taylor's fierce angled drive made it 4-1. By the 72 minute Taylor had completed his hat trick and Harwich were facing a rout. To their credit they never gave up and Martin seized on a back pass to reduce the arrears. Ryan McDale made it 7-2 but then Harwich scored a good 3rd goal when substitute Robbie Marks accurately picked out Matt Geen at the far post and he slotted his shot in.