EXCELLENT RESULT FOR HARWICH & PARKESTON AFTER LONG TRIP TO HOLBEACH

REPORT BY COLIN ROGERS

On a lovely autumn afternoon, the Holbeach pitch was in pristine condition and the facilities excellent.
Harwich were quick out of the blocks with an attack in which Luke Mayhew's shot went just past the post and the home goalkeeper pushed a shot on the turn from Joe Knight around the post when a goal looked certain. In the 15th minute Shrimpers were forced to switch their line-up around when defender Owen Rayment suffered a nasty knock and was replaced by Jamie Eades. Holbeach then came into the game with two corner kicks and Reece Harte came to the Shrimpers rescue by heading off the goal line. Harwich replied with a corner of their own and from Gareth Heath's kick, Joe Knight gave them the lead with a bullet header that gave the keeper no chance. Harwich were dominant now and Jamie Eades twice fired in dangerous crosses. Half time came with Harwich leading by a single goal but in truth the margin could have been three or more.
After the break Harwich were again quick off the mark and within 5 minutes Shaun Kioussis long through ball gave Joe Knight a one-on-one situation against the goalkeeper and the Shrimpers birthday boy striker increased the lead with clinical finish. Holbeach were forced to throw players forward in an attempt to come back but the Harwich central defenders Ben Hammond and Shaun Kioussis were in dominant form and United were unable to create any clear-cut chances. Harwich continued to look likely to add to their score with Matt Geen seeing his fierce 25yard shot clip the top of the crossbar. The Harwich midfield was ensuring that their team remained in control with Brandon Rusby exceptional, proving his point after not starting in the last game. Joe Knight was in great form and in another one-on-one tried a chip, which would have given him his hat-trick, but the goalkeeper pulled off a fine save to thwart him.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Owen Rayment, Shaun Kioussis, Ben Hammond, Reece Harte, Alfie Smith, Brandon Rusby, Gareth Heath, Matt Geen, Luke Mayhew and Joe Knight. Substitute's Used Jamie Eades and Archie Corner.
A good muster of Harwich supporters made the long journey, and we thank Holbeach United for the excellent welcome and hospitality.