HARWICH CAN'T TURN POSSESSION INTO POINTS AGAINST LEAGUE LEADERS HEACHAM

Harwich took the lead in the 12th minute when Matt Geen cleverly created an opportunity for Luke Mayhew who struck the ball perfectly for his volley to rocket into the net. Geen and Mayhew were proving a potent combination and repeated the double act resulting in a shot going inches over the crossbar. The Harwich defence failed to deal with an attack and with advancing goalkeeper Brad Cook beaten to the ball Heacham equalised. With Harwich midfield trio of Alfie Smith, Brandon Rusby and Gareth Heath dominant the Shrimpers were on top in the first half without being able to pierce the visitor's defence.
Harwich were up for the challenge and could not be faulted for effort as they continued to take the game to Heacham. Midway through the half Heacham mounted a strong attack and striker Joe Knight came back in an effort to help out in defence but conceded a penalty kick from which the visitor's took the lead. Luke Mayhew's neat footwork beat the Heacham defenders, but his cross shot went agonising inches outside the far post. Harwich continued to press hard for the equaliser which they deserved, and Jamie Eades was thwarted when his goal bound shot was cleared off the line. With 15 minutes remaining, in pushing forward Harwich were left short of defenders when Heacham attacked so Brad Cook advanced to the edge of his area only for his header to fall to an attacker. Central defender Jack Wood got back but was unable to make a good contact on the ball and the visitors sealed their victory with a shot into the vacant goal.
A big plus for Harwich was that central defender Ben Hammond returned from an injury suffered in pre-season and enjoyed a good match with no repercussions.
Harwich team. Brad Cook, Shaun Kioussis, Ben Hammond, Jack Wood, Reece Harte, Alfie Smith, Brandon Rusby, Gareth Heath, Matt Geen, Joe Knight and Luke Mayhew. Substitutes: Jamie Eades, Chris Stratton, Rob Pratt (all used) Dan Roots and Alfie Corner.