HARWICH & PARKESTON WIN THROUGH TO 4TH ROUND OF LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP

There a good crowd of supporters from both clubs for this match. The heavy rain during the day did not dampen the spirits of the watchers and players and from the kick off the match was keenly contested. The Harwich goal came in only the 5th minute when following a corner kick, Shaun Kioussis powered his shot through a crowded goalmouth into the net. The remainder of the first half saw defences on top with the Shrimpers best effort coming a minute before the break when Luke Mayhew's shot forced a good diving save from the home goalkeeper.
Early in the second Joe Knight's shot from angle was well stopped at the near post and following the resulting corner Mayhew's 20-yard drive went inches over the crossbar. Midway through the half Brantham won a free kick and when a Harwich player went down the Athletic were reduced to 10 men with a red card dismissal for violent conduct. Brantham were undeterred by this setback and continued to search for an equaliser, but the Harwich defence was in good form with goalkeeper Brad Cook handling high crosses and corners confidently. With the match entering the closing stages, Harwich, urged on by their vocal supporters, were determined to hang on to their lead and in attack they did have a chance to seal the result when Matt Geen made a great run from his own half and from Knight's return cross was inches away from stabbing the ball home.
No matter, a jubilant Harwich were through to the 4th Round for which the draw consists of 4 geographical zones of 4 teams. The draw will be made on the 17th of November with the games likely to take place in mid-January.