Harwich undone by speedy and tenacious Coggeshall United

In the first minute goalkeeper Sam Felgate had to come out to save Harwich and seconds later the Shrimpers were caught out again and this time George Smith gave Coggeshall the lead despite appeals for offiside. Coggeshall continued to be first to the ball and Harwich were often in trouble with the unmarked Jack Simmons passing to Andy Fennell whose pace caused Shrimpers full back Harry Johston problems. Harwich had a good vocal following at this match which could have an important bearing of the final league positions but the Shrimpers midfielders and attackers were finding it hard to get a foothold in the game. A second United goal looked certain but Jake Kioussis made a great block on the goaline. Coggeshall were the better side but 5 minutes before half time Harwich had a life line when Tyler Rose was brought down and Jordan Heath remained ice cool to score an equaliser with a perfect penalty kick. Eight minutes into the second half Shrimpers Elliott Johnson floated in a shot that hit the crossbar but immediately a misplaced pass was snapped up by Andy Fennell and he again outplaced the defence to put Coggeshall back into the lead. United's Daniel Cunningham had been on a tight rope with the Referee and he received a second yellow card to allow Harwich a second lifeline chance to get back into contention. However the difference in the sides was again soon illustrated when jordan Heath received the ball and saw his only option as a to pass backwards to the under pressure Johnston. The powerful Smith then proved too strong and netted Coggeshall's third goal. Ten man Coggeshall continued snuff out Harwich efforts and Felgate had to come out to prevent Smith completing a hat trick. Sam Cripps netted United's fourth goal with a header and Harwich will surely be up to put in a better performance when Coggeshall visit the Royal Oak on the 23rd March.
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