Harwich lose unbeaten start to season with a defeat by White Ensign

Harwich lost their unbeaten start to the season in a very worying performance against White Ensign at Great Wakering on Saturday
The scoreline does not reflect how much better the home side were on the day. Certainly Harwich were forced to make changes with unavailability and injuries but had it not been for an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Sam Felgate and some timeley interceptions from central defender Michael Murray, aided by some terrible finishing by White Ensign, things would have been worse for the Shrimpers.
White Ensign finished above Harwich in the league and certainly showed their title ambitions. They created chances right from outset and sent in a serries of crosses that had the Harwich central defenders working overtime to keep their goal intact. Sam Felgate was outstanding, propably having his best ever game for Harwich, time and time again saving the Shrimpers. It came as no surprise when player manager Brett Mynard fired White Ensign ahead. Harwich changed over Joe Knight to midfield and Ben Parken to the back four but this did not affect the White Ensign onslaught. Harwich were happy to hold out until half time with a single goal defecit. Knight went off injuredto be replaced by Tom O'Keefe. Any chance of a quick comeback was thwarted when Ensign scored in the first minute of the second half. The home team failed to increase their lead with a host of missed opportunities. As a result they paid the penalty when Shrimpers skipper Jordan Heath reduced the arrears when he fired home in fine fashion. Harwich supporters hopes were raised with only a one goal defecit but didn't last long as within 5 minutes a misplaced clearance was intercepted and a through ball gave Mynard his second goal and the home side a 3-1 victory. Harwich will want to forget this performance quickly with FA Cup and FA Vase matches next. It was a very uncharacteristic Harwich afternoon with too many players not performing to their usual standard. Hopefully injured players will be recovered in time for Romford and normal service will be resumed.
Report by Tony Armstrong

lau
e