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Sat 07 Jan 2023 ·  First Division North
Harwich and ParkestonDownham Town
1
4
HARWICH UNBEATEN RUN ENDS AS DOWNHAM STAR JOE JACKSON SCORES 4 GOALS
Terry Francis8 Jan 2023 - 10:33
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THE SHRIMPERS RUN SPANNING 10 GAMES CAME TO AN END AGAINST A VERY IMPRESSIVE DOWNHAM TOWN WHO LOOK STRONG CHALLENGERS FOR THE AUTOMATIC PROMOTION PLACE
Downham were quick out of the blocks putting Harwich under pressure from the kick off. Only 8 minutes had passed when Jackson got goal side of his marker and gave the Town the lead with cool finish. The Shrimpers came back but found the Downham defence difficult to penetrate whilst the Harwich rearguard were not at their best and before halftime Jackson increased the Town's lead to put his team firmly in the driving seat.
The second half continued with Downham showing no weakness in their team and so Harwich struggled to make an impact in attack. Harwich hearts were in their mouth when again an attacker nipped in behind the the Shrimpers defence, forcing goalkeeper Brad Cook to advance but with the ball rolling goalwards it was somehow scrambled to safety. Harwich began to look more dangerous with Gareth Heath firing in a 30 yard drive which goalkeeper Duncan McAnally manged to tip over the crossbar. With the second half in the midway stage Harwich had introduced Matt Geen into their attack and now had their best period of the match. Midfielder Alfie Smith fired in a goalmouth shot which produced strong appeal for handball and from the resultant pressure in the Downham goalmouth the alert Geen's shot reduced the arrears. Harwich have staged some excellent comebacks this season and there hopes of another were raised.
However it was not to be this time and within a few minutes with Harwich pressing forward they left themselves wide open in defence, a fatal mistake against someone of Jackson's calibre and he completed his hat trick with another clinical finish. Harwich were still reeling after seeing their hopes dashed when Jackson scored his fourth goal with a header.
Harwich remain in 3rd spot but Downham are now in 4th place, only 2 points behind the Shrimpers with 3 games in hand.
Next Saturday Harwich travel to Debenham who are now making a strong effort to get clear of the relegation zone and the Shrimpers must concentrate on their goal of remaining in the play off places.
Harwich Team: Brad Cook, Dan Keeble, Ben Hammond, Jack Wood, Shaun Kioussis, Rob Pratt, Alfie Smith, Gareth Heath, Luke Mayhew, Jamie Eades and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Matt Geen and Steve Polley - both used, - Harry Tuck and Reece Harte.
The second half continued with Downham showing no weakness in their team and so Harwich struggled to make an impact in attack. Harwich hearts were in their mouth when again an attacker nipped in behind the the Shrimpers defence, forcing goalkeeper Brad Cook to advance but with the ball rolling goalwards it was somehow scrambled to safety. Harwich began to look more dangerous with Gareth Heath firing in a 30 yard drive which goalkeeper Duncan McAnally manged to tip over the crossbar. With the second half in the midway stage Harwich had introduced Matt Geen into their attack and now had their best period of the match. Midfielder Alfie Smith fired in a goalmouth shot which produced strong appeal for handball and from the resultant pressure in the Downham goalmouth the alert Geen's shot reduced the arrears. Harwich have staged some excellent comebacks this season and there hopes of another were raised.
However it was not to be this time and within a few minutes with Harwich pressing forward they left themselves wide open in defence, a fatal mistake against someone of Jackson's calibre and he completed his hat trick with another clinical finish. Harwich were still reeling after seeing their hopes dashed when Jackson scored his fourth goal with a header.
Harwich remain in 3rd spot but Downham are now in 4th place, only 2 points behind the Shrimpers with 3 games in hand.
Next Saturday Harwich travel to Debenham who are now making a strong effort to get clear of the relegation zone and the Shrimpers must concentrate on their goal of remaining in the play off places.
Harwich Team: Brad Cook, Dan Keeble, Ben Hammond, Jack Wood, Shaun Kioussis, Rob Pratt, Alfie Smith, Gareth Heath, Luke Mayhew, Jamie Eades and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Matt Geen and Steve Polley - both used, - Harry Tuck and Reece Harte.
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