Second half missed chances cost Harwich

Harwich almost had a break when goalkeeper Peter Spencer rushed out and was lucky to clear with striker Ben Elliott waiting to pounce.
Then with the fierce wind in their favour Arlesford got on top but their long distance shooting was off target. In the 15th minute James Walters worked his way into the penalty box and his well directed angled shot gave Arlesford the lead. Arlesford were bypassing the Harwich midfied but in a rare attack the Shrimpers mounted a good move only for Spencer to easily collect Elliott's header. Michael Hammond headed off the goal line to prevent Harwich falling further behind and as Arlesford remained on top, James Pickard's shot struck the crossbar.
In the second half it was Harwich turn to enjoy the advantage of the elements and they started as though they were going to turn the match around. First Spencer saved with his feet to prevent Luis Reynolds equalising and then Hammond acute shot struck the post. Harwich could have been in the lead now and their was more anguish for them when a handball by an Arlesford defender did not result in a penalty. The Shrimpers spell of dominance came to an end with a flash of quality when Shaun Bayliss shot from 20 yards nestled in the top corner of the net for Arlesford's second goal after 51 minutes. Harwich tried hard but the could not reproduce the chances that they had made early in this half and a good Arlesford team ran out worthy winners.