Only goal of match by Benfleet sinks Shrimpers

Harwich were without skipper and leading scorer Jordan Heath for this match. Harwich started well and pressed Benfleet during the first 15 minutes. This was to be their best spell of the game and the only time when they really looked like scoring. Callum Griffiths was clean through for the Shrimpers but golakeeper Flo Gislette came out to make a good save. Joe Knight,leading the attack, was also causing problems but could not find the net. Having weathered this period, Benfleet came back into the game, firstly with Jack Unwin speeding through before being blocked at the last second. On the grassy but bone hard Canvey Island pitch Harwich were over hitting their passes now with the match being played at a furious pace in hot conditions. Benfleet took the lead in the 23rd minute when Taylor Lawrence took a corner kick and the ball sailed into the far top corner of the net with Harwich having failed to put a defender on that post. Ryan Heath cleared off the line for Harwich who went in at half time frustrated. After the break Harwich were lucky not to go further behind when their defence got in a tangle and with goalkeepr Sam Felgate stranded out of his goal, Benfleet somehow failed to put the ball in the net. Benflett were quicker on the ball and creating chances and the Harwich Management made changes. bringing on two substitutes and pulling Knight back to try and stiffen their defence. Felgate pulled off a fine save to get the ball over the crossbar when Michael Reed seemed certain to score. Harwich were out of sorts but tried hard and at last made a chance but Gislette saved Knight's header. It was a disappointing match for Harwich but Benfleet performed well and deserved their victory.

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