SHRIMPERS TURN THE TIDE TO GAIN FIRST LEAGUE POINT OF THE SEASON

Harwich were without goalkeeper Sam Felgate and skipper Nicky Palmer. Coggeshall fielded a strong team and took the lead in the 6th minute. Within a few more minutes they almost second a second but goalkeeper Charlie Pepperell managed to narrow the angle. United built up their attacks with some excellent play and rained in shots on the Harwich goal. Harwich came back and the home keeper saved with his shoulder and in another Shrimpers break Elliott Johnson created an opportunity but was unable to get sufficient power in his shot. Against the run of play Adam Hampson scored a poacher's goal to equalise for Harwich and at half time Coggeshall went in rueing their wayward shooting which had cost them the opportunity of a commanding lead.
The very promising youngster Max Copeland had made his debut in the centre of the Harwich defence. For the second half the Shrimpers Management team decided to replace him with the vastly experienced Matt Stace to steady the defence. This decision was vindicated with Stace using his authority to balance the rearguard. It was completely different game now as Harwich grew in confidence and the play flowed from end to end. There were good perfromances throughout the Harwich team during this period as they passed the ball well to the delight of their good following of supporters who made the trip. In the closing stages Harwich saw off Coggeshall's attacks and the Shrimpers speedy forwards came close to snatching an unlikely victory. A really encouraging second half showing from Harwich after two defeats and one which should kick start their season.
Harwich team: Charlie Pepperell ( a sound debut), Billy Latto, Alex Taylor, Max Copeland, Rory Harman, Harry Miller, Wayne Blackman, Elliot Johnson, Charlie Lindoe, Matt Geen, Adam Hampson. Substitutes: Matt Stace, Harry Banner and Jamie Beecham, Tyler Smith and Jack Higgy