Harwich narrowly defeated in exciting cup-tie

Harwich made a good start with Brad Wesley and Luke Barnard having shots well saved by goalkeeper Spenser. With his speed and tenacity Wesley caused the home defence problems throughout. Newcomer Ronny Heather shot just wide for Harwich and it was against the run of play that in the 28th minute Ryan Lewis gave Arlesford the lead with a well taken header from a corner. Harwich were deservedly on terms in the 35th minute when Barnard scored with a well struck drive into the far corner of the net. Three minutes later Harwich were again undone following a corner when Daryl Guyon ran from deep with his bullet header giving keeper Giddings no chance.
After the break the match was end to end but Harwich continued to play well with Ashley Wood equalising with an excellent 25 yard free kick from an acute angle that fizzed through the Arlesford defence. Wood almost scored from another free kick but Spencer dived from nowhere to save. Arlesford snatched victory when their captain Dan Boxall ran through the Harwich defence to net.