HARWICH DOMINATE IN THE FIRST HALF BUT HAVE TO SETTLE FOR A POINT

REPORT FROM COLIN ROGERS

After losing 5-0 to Basildon Town in midweek in the Essex Senior Cup Manager Sean Tynan re-jigged the Shrimpers defence with Joe Knight, previously leading the attack, now moving to centre back for this match.
Harwich took the lead when skipper Gareth Heath headed the ball on for the alert Matt Geen to spot the opportunity and nip in, rounding the goalkeeper before netting. The Shrimpers were close to increasing their lead when Jay Eggerichs shot inches over the crossbar. Harwich continued to play so well that the goalkeeper Brad Cook was virtually a spectator and when they went in at half time it seemed that there would only be one winner in this match.
After the break Harwich seemed to switch off and Huntingdon gained confidence to come back into the game. Harwich did threaten when from Heath's free kick Brandon Rusby's looping header was tipped over the bar but they had lost the initiative. Huntingdon equalised midway through the second half when Harwich failed to clear the ball and Liam Rodden gave Cook no chance with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.. Harwich had to dig in to hold onto a point with a positive being that with Knight having a good game, the defence had played well but will be disappointed that had they re- produced their first half form then they would have been victorious.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Alfie Smith, Joe Knight, Jack Wood, Shaun Kioussis, Matt Geen, Gareth Heath, Brandon Rusby, Jamie Eades, Mark Palmer, Jay Eggerichs. Substitutes: Reece Harte, Rob Pratt (both used), Harry Tuck, Daryl Eagle.