Harwich clinch Runners Up spot with victory over new Champions West Bergholt

West Bergholt’s midweek victory over University of Essex ensured them the Border League Championship but they were determined to make Harwich fight all the way in this match. With the teams battling for midfield supremacy, Harwich first chance did not come until the 25th minute when Martin Calver crossed accurately but Robbie Marks headed over the crossbar. In the 31st minute Marks was fouled outside the penalty area and Calver drilled a great free kick low into the corner of the net to give Harwich the lead. The second half started with West Bergholt determined to get on terms and they were dangerous from some well placed corner kicks. Their efforts were rewarded in the 69th minute when Marcus Warren crossed and Christophe Edin shot the equaliser from close range. Harwich needed to regain the initiative quickly and they did so in the 72nd minute when Marks headed the ball on for live wire Calver to restore the lead with another header. Harwich stand in Manager, Tony Armstrong, had picked out Callum Gildea in midweek as Bergholt’s play maker and he was delighted with the marking job that Mark Palmer did to keep him under control. West Bergholt were not beaten yet and the entire Harwich team worked their socks off to see out the 90 minutes and gain a notable victory.
At the conclusion of the match West Bergholt were presented with the Border League Championship Trophy and wnner’s medals in front of a large appreciative crowd. Harwich will receive their runners up trophies at Tuesday evenings match against Great Bentley on the Royal Oak.