Little Oakley edge out Harwich in local derby to go top of League

Ashley Wood for Harwich and Mark Palmer for Oakley had good efforts on goal in a competitive first half which saw Referee Farthing award several free kicks to ensure his control. The important break through came for Little Oakley just before half time when with Harwich stopping to appeal that the ball have gone out of play, Jordan Heath took advantage to head the visitors into the lead.
After the break both teams showed their strength in defence to make scoring chances scarse. On the hour Harwich goalkeeper Sam Felgate did well to make a point blank save from Jake Kioussis while a the other end Matt Geen saw his snap shot go over the crossbar. Michael Murray had been dominant at the heart of the Harwich defence but with 10 minutes remaining Kioussis got away from him and caught Felgate slightly off his line to score Oakley's second with an excellent 20 yard shot. Harwich tried to get a goal back with Geen shooting narrowly wide and Ash Wood denied when goalkeeper Tynan dived full length to save.
Harwich had given the high flying neighbours a good game but jubilant Liitle Oakley ran out worthy winners.