HARWICH ON TOP AT SWAFFHAM BUT CANNOT FIND A WINNING GOAL

REPORT BY COLIN ROGERS

The scorching heat at inland Swaffham and bone-dry, sloping pitch on which the ball bounced unexpectedly made for difficult conditions but given this both teams played well. Swaffham have started the season well with a draw in the opening match and then a victory against promotion fancied Norwich CBS in midweek.
Harwich started well pressing Swaffham and when the ball came out Shaun Kioussis went close with a shot from distance. The Shrimpers next opportunity came when Jack Wood headed just over from a corner kick. The best Harwich move was started by Rob Pratt with a pass to Alfie Smith then Gareth Heath and from a cross, drilled across the goalmouth, Joe Knight was just unable to connect.
On the balance of chances Harwich should have gone in with a half time lead and the pattern continued into to the second half. The impressive Alfie Smith played in Joe Knight who beat his marker but saw his shot blocked. After conceding four goals in the opening match the Harwich defence was excellent today. The Shrimpers had a chance to snatch victory in the closing minutes when from Reece Harte's corner Nathan Kioussis was stretching and headed just over.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Shaun Kioussis, Nathan Kioussis, Jack Wood, Reece Harte, Brandon Rusby, Alfie Smith, Gareth Heath, Rob Pratt, Luke Mayhew, Joe Knight. Substitutes Harry Tuck, Mark Palmer and Jamie Eades