MUCH CHANGED HARWICH GIVE AN EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE TO DRAW AT NORWICH

REPORT BY COLIN ROGERS

Norwich are in fourth place in the league table and use their 4G artificial pitch to their advantage to play good passing football. Play was end to end and Harwich took the lead in the 18th minute when Jamie Beecham threaded the ball through to Joe Knight who cut inside before hammering a fierce 20 yard shot into the top corner of the net. Shrimpers goalkeeper Brad Cook kept his team in front when he got down to make a fine save from a low goal-bound shot. Harwich had a strong case for a penalty turned down when Matt Geen got goal side of the goalkeeper before being brought down. Joe Knight played a good ball to Chris Stratton whose shot from an angle went just over the crossbar. Thirty-three minutes had passed when Brad Cook denied Norwich with another good save by palming the ball away. Half time came with Harwich deservedly still holding their one goal lead.
After the break and 10 minutes of even play Norwich broke forward for Lewis Johnson to net a well taken equalizer. Both teams continued to seek an advantage and in the 65th minute it was Norwich whose danger man Jaden Snelling broke through and his deflected shot wrong footed Brad Cook who was then helpless to prevent CBS from taking the lead. Harwich had a couple of half chances, but Norwich increased their lead when Kieran Hagan scored from close range. With 15 minutes remaining Harwich Manager Sean Tynan began a series of brave decisions in which he was to use his five substitutes. Four of these were youngsters with one, Owen Rayment, pushed forward and Jamie Beecham provided a through pass which Rayment ran onto and although the keeper managed to save his shot, the teenager followed up to score. With only a few minutes remaining. Jamie Beecham was again provider, setting up Joe Knight to score Harwich equaliser with a fierce shot taken at the near post. Harwich were now looking for a winner but in the last couple of minutes Norwich attacked and Shrimpers Under 18 player Archie Corner made a last-ditch tackle to deflect the ball over the bar. From the resultant corner he then cleared a fierce Norwich shot off the goal line.
A super performance from Harwich in all departments, with Jamie Beecham on his return to the Club, featuring in all three goals on a surface to which his game is so well suited.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Alfie Smith, Nathan Kioussis, Jack Wood, Reece Harte, Steve Polley, Brandon Rushby, Jamie Beecham, Matt Geen, Chris Stratton and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Archie Corner, Owen Rayment, Harry Tuck, Dan Keeble and Tony Clarke.