Superb win for 10 man Harwich in thriller against Braintree Town Reserves

Braintree goalkeeper James Mordecai was in great form and during the first half pulling off a string of saves to keep his team in the match. In the early stages he saved twice from Callum Griffiths and then from Joe Knight. The Shrimpers also missed chances with Ryan Heath and Grfifiths shooting over but Mordecai pulled off further good stops to thwart Brad Westley and Elliot Johnson. Shrimpers keeper Sam Felgate was called on and handled Erin Muti's effort cleanly and later Muti also sent a shot over when Braintree created a rare oportunity. After dominating the first 35 minutes Harwich were rewarded when Johnson broke through and although Mordecai managed to get a hand to his lobbed shot he could not prevent the ball entering the net. Two minutes later Harwich suffered a blow when Nicky Palmer was sent off for retaliating with a kick at an opponent. Knight had the ball in the net as Harwich thought that they had scored but was ruled offside.
Braintree came out for the second half determined to make their numerical advantage count and Harwich had to dig in to keep them at bay. Lone striker Jordan Heath had the ability to trouble Braintree and he ran through the home defence but the oncoming Shrimpers were unable to reach the ball when he neatly layed it off. Braintree pressured Harwich again with Marvin Wray seeing his shot go inches outside the post. Jordan Heath robbed Modecai but it was adjudged that the Braintree keeper had two hands on the ball and the goal was disallowed . The Harwich 10 men were battling hard to keep their lead in tact but in the 73rd minute Muti equalised with a powerful shot taken from just inside the penalty area which he put wide of Felgate. Harwich won a corner and Modecai did well again to dive on Knight's header but it was Braintree who were forcing the pace and it seemed that the Shrimpers would do well to go home with a point. Then in the last dramatic minute Ryan Heath broke away down the left flank and crossed for substitute Tyler Rose to crash the ball into the net sending Harwich and their good following of supporters into joyous celebrations.

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