HARWICH & PARKESTON BOOST AS THEY START THE NEW YEAR WITH A DERBY VICTORY AT HOLLAND

The recent rain had made the pitch heavy going in parts and Harwich took a while to settle. During this period Harry Willoughby went close for Holland with a shot that went inches wide of the far post and in the 24th minute the home team also had a penalty kick strike the crossbar. With half time approaching Harwich enjoyed a spell of pressure with Joe Knight bringing a fine stop from the goalkeeper when a goal seemed certain.
A minute before the break the Shrimpers made a crucial break through when from Shaun Kioussis long pass Joe Knight looped his header into the net for his jubilant team mates to celebrate the lead.
Joe Knight was causing the Holland defence problems with his aerial prowess and 5 minutes into the second half his goal bound header struck the upright. Harwich were in good form now, passing the ball well and soon Knight caused more consternation with Chris Stratton within inches of converting his cross. Holland tried hard to comeback but Ben Hammond was dominant in the Harwich defence with goalkeeper Brad Cook acting as a sweeper to mop up any danger. Although in the ascendancy, Harwich needed a second goal as a buffer and when it came in the 75th minute it was a beauty. Gareth Heath exchanged passes with Joe Knight and the Shrimpers skipper took the return neatly before dummying the defence and squeezing his shot inside the post. Harwich were home and dry now and this takes their undefeated run to 10 matches, a great effort by the management team and their players.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Dan Keeble, Ben Hammond, Jack Wood, Shaun Kioussis, Brandon Rusby, Alfie Smith, Luke Mayhew, Gareth Heath, Chris Stratton and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Rob Pratt, Jamie Eades, Jake Kioussis, Archie Corner and Harry Tuck.