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Sat 03 Sep 2022 ·  First Division North
Downham Town
Harwich and Parkeston
4
2
CHANGED HARWICH NARROWLY BEATEN AT DOWNHAM
Terry Francis4 Sep 2022 - 10:48
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MISSING FOUR KEY DEFENDERS THE SHRIMPERS FACED A TOUGH CHALLENGE AGAINST A GOOD DOWNHAM TOWN
REPORT FROM COLIN ROGERS
Harwich were forced to make changes with Nathan Kioussis, Jack Wood and Shaun Kioussis unavailable whilst the injured Ben Hammond is likely to be out of action until October. This meant inclusion of the evergreen stalwart Michael Murray (excellent as always), reserve Jordan Slater, young wing back Harry Tuck having a second start and coach Daryl Eagle taking a spot on the substitutes bench.
Harwich made a slow start and in a hectic opening soon found themselves behind. Early in the move there appeared to be a clear offside but play continued for Downham to take the lead with a 20 yard shot into the top of the net. The Shrimpers recovered from a rocky opening 15 minutes to equalize with an excellent goal, Luke Mayhew and Joe Knight exchanging a clever one-two for Mayhew to then clip the ball over the goalkeeper. Harwich almost scored again when in a goalmouth scramble Knight flicked the ball up onto the crossbar.
Ten minutes into the second half Downham regained the lead when a strike from inside the penalty area gave goalkeeper Brad Cook no chance. Five minutes later Harwich were level again with a cracking goal when Gareth Heath surged forward, spotted an opening and rocketed in a 25 yard first time shot into the top corner of the net. A vintage strike from the experienced Shrimpers skipper. Play was end to end but in the last quarter of the game Harwich suffered a blow when a handball offence saw Downham go 3-2 ahead from the penalty spot. Harwich had to push forward in an attempt to take home a point, leaving Downham the space for Downham to score their fourth goal in the closing minutes.
Downham are a strong team capable of climbing up the league but Harwich will feel that although the players coming in did not the team down, they could have got a result had they been able to field a full strength side.
Downham's goalscorers were Matt Blackford (2), Charlie Butt and Jack Rawson.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Harry Tuck, Michael Murray, Jordan Slater, Reece Harte, Matt Geen, Alfie Smith, Gareth Heath, Luke Mayhew, Jamie Eades and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Brandon Rusby, Mark Palmer (both used) and Daryl Eagle.
Harwich were forced to make changes with Nathan Kioussis, Jack Wood and Shaun Kioussis unavailable whilst the injured Ben Hammond is likely to be out of action until October. This meant inclusion of the evergreen stalwart Michael Murray (excellent as always), reserve Jordan Slater, young wing back Harry Tuck having a second start and coach Daryl Eagle taking a spot on the substitutes bench.
Harwich made a slow start and in a hectic opening soon found themselves behind. Early in the move there appeared to be a clear offside but play continued for Downham to take the lead with a 20 yard shot into the top of the net. The Shrimpers recovered from a rocky opening 15 minutes to equalize with an excellent goal, Luke Mayhew and Joe Knight exchanging a clever one-two for Mayhew to then clip the ball over the goalkeeper. Harwich almost scored again when in a goalmouth scramble Knight flicked the ball up onto the crossbar.
Ten minutes into the second half Downham regained the lead when a strike from inside the penalty area gave goalkeeper Brad Cook no chance. Five minutes later Harwich were level again with a cracking goal when Gareth Heath surged forward, spotted an opening and rocketed in a 25 yard first time shot into the top corner of the net. A vintage strike from the experienced Shrimpers skipper. Play was end to end but in the last quarter of the game Harwich suffered a blow when a handball offence saw Downham go 3-2 ahead from the penalty spot. Harwich had to push forward in an attempt to take home a point, leaving Downham the space for Downham to score their fourth goal in the closing minutes.
Downham are a strong team capable of climbing up the league but Harwich will feel that although the players coming in did not the team down, they could have got a result had they been able to field a full strength side.
Downham's goalscorers were Matt Blackford (2), Charlie Butt and Jack Rawson.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Harry Tuck, Michael Murray, Jordan Slater, Reece Harte, Matt Geen, Alfie Smith, Gareth Heath, Luke Mayhew, Jamie Eades and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Brandon Rusby, Mark Palmer (both used) and Daryl Eagle.
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