HARWICH HOLD ON FOR 3 IMPORTANT POINTS AS NEEDHAM STAGE COMEBACK

After a long spell of freezing nights the Needham Market ground staff worked hard to defrost their G4 artificial grass pitch and provide one of the few matches to beat the weather.
The match started at a brisk pace with goalmouth incidents at both ends. For Harwich Jamie Eades went close with a header and from Alfie Smith's cross Joe Knight also had a good effort. Needham continued to find space when they attacked down their right hand flank, causing Harwich problems. Jake Kioussis was a late replacement for Harwich at left wing back and he started the move in the 25th minute which culminated in Joe Knight giving the Shrimpers the lead with a good finish. Goalkeeper Brad Cook found Joe Knight with a long clearance but from his dangerous cross Luke Mayhew blazed the ball over the bar. Brad Cook saved Harwich when the Marketmen broke through and a goal seemed certain. Another great cross from Joe Knight to the far post saw Jamie Eades meet the ball perfectly and head home Harwich second goal. Needham were still dangerous and Harwich had an escape when the ball struck the post. With half time approaching Shrimpers skipper Gareth Heath was fouled and he flighted his superb free kick over the defensive wall and into the corner of the net, a great moment for him on his return visit to a Club where he had been a star.
After the break Brad Cook made another excellent one on one save to prevent Needham scoring and midway through the half Harwich position was bolstered even further when Joe Knight tucked away their fourth goal. However the Marketmen then started their comeback Chambers created the opening from which Eddie Barker reduced the arrears. Needham were back in contention with a second goal scored when Chambers leaped high to convert Smith's cross. Harwich conceded a penalty kick which gave Cook no chance and now with only a one goal lead, facing more than 10 minutes stoppage time, the Shrimpers had a battle on their hands with the young Marketmen sensing an upset. Joe Knight had been struggling with an injury in these closing stages but he broke away to summon up surging run from which goalkeeper Noah Shorten made an excellent diving save to tip the ball behind.
At the final whistle there was a mixture of relief and delight for Harwich with the win consolidating their 3rd position in the league table as they go into the mid season holiday break.
Harwich Team: Brad Cook, Alfie Smith, Shaun Kioussis, Jack Wood, Jake Kioussis, Brandon Rusby, Gareth Heath, Matt Geen, Luke Mayhew, Jamie Eades and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Steve Polley, Chris Stratton and Dan Keeble.