HARWICH HOLD THEIR NERVE TO DEFEAT LEISTON RESERVES WITH AN 80TH MINUTE GOAL

Leiston mounted an attack in the 8th minutes and Harwich goalkeeper Brad Cook dived full length to turn the ball around the post for a corner. The Shrimpers were soon pressing the visitors defence and from a Joe Knight cross, Alfie Smith made a brave diving header from which goalkeeper Harry Podd got down well to make a top drawer save. In the 24th minute Shrimpers skipper Gareth Heath's shot from the edge of the penalty box was cleared off the goal-line. Harwich were on top, creating chances and Harry Tuck had a goal-bound shot blocked. Half time came with the match still goal-less leaving the Shrimpers needing to put in another of their strong second half performances.
Leiston continued to stick to their game plan and get bodies behind the ball making it even more difficult for Harwich to create clear cut goal scoring opportunities. In the 65th minute Harwich suffered a set-back when ace striker Joe Knight was sin binned for 10 minutes, leaving them with 10 men. Luke Mayhew became the Shrimpers spearhead, keeping the Leiston defence on their toes with his close control and speed. Harwich were bolstering their attack with central defenders Jack Wood and Ben Hammond coming forward, leaving Dan Keeble vigilant against any Leiston breakaway. Brad Cook was also on the alert and when Cameron Rayworth embarked on a mazy run the Shrimpers keeper was out smartly to fall on the ball to smother the danger. Harwich came close when from Joe Knight's deep cross, Chris Stratton broke through the visitors defence but goalkeeper Podd did well to make a block. Only 10 minutes remaining now but Harwich were not to be denied and it was Dan Keeble's turn to join in the attack and he rose in the air to score the all important goal with an excellent header, his first time on the scoresheet for the Shrimpers. In the final minutes a red card reduced Leiston to 10 men.
All credit to Leiston, currently in the bottom half of the table, for they had made it a nail biter for the home supporters, with the Harwich team having to fight hard to ensure that points were not dropped in their quest for promotion.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Dan Keeble, Ben Hammond, Jack Wood, Archie Corner, Steve Polley, Alfie Smith, Harry Tuck, Gareth Heath, Luke Mayhew and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Shaun Kioussis, Chris Stratton, Ryan Smart, Owen Rayment and Daryl Eagle.