HARWICH DOMINANT IN 2ND HALF BUT ONLY ONE GOAL AND ONE POINT

Harwich were without striker Joe Knight, the injured midfielders Alfie Smith and Brandon Rusby. Into the starting line-up came Harry Tuck, Rob Pratt and Steve Polley.
In early stages the Harwich attack was constantly caught offside and had to wait until the 25th minute to threaten and then Luke Mayhew's goal bound shot was cleared off the goal line into the goalkeepers' hands. Leiston then had a good spell with Shrimpers keeper Brad Cook making a good diving save and later saving with his feet. Honours were even at the end of a goal less first half.
Harwich came out in determined mood after the break and got on top with the scoring chances coming. Harwich skipper Gareth Heath, who was returning to one of the clubs at which he had enjoyed lengthy successful spells, just couldn't apply the finishing touch to these opportunities and then midway through the half gave his team the lead with a cracking drive from the edge of the area into the roof of the net. With Harwich pressing but unable to make the game safe, Leiston's smart breakaway attacks became threatening and when the Shrimpers defence failed to clear a raid Konnor Fletcher equalised. Leiston's tails were up and when Harwich were caught short at the back, Brad Cook's attempted tackle outside his area received a red card. Central defender Jack Wood took over in the Shrimpers goal for the 10 men. In a hectic finish both teams looked for a winner. Harwich still had chances with Matt Geen going close with a header and Luke Mayhew just unable to get the ball from under his feet when the home defence was in a muddle.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Harry Tuck, Jack Wood, Nathan Kioussis, Reece Harte, Rob Pratt, Steve Polley, Gareth Heath, Matt Geen, Luke Mayhew and Jay Eggerichs. Substitutes: Shaun Kioussis (for Jay Eggerichs) Jamie Eades (for Rob Pratt) and Harry Carmichael.