DISAPPOINTMENT FOR DEFEATED HARWICH AS THEY LOSE 2 GOAL LEAD AT WHITTLESEY

Report by Daniel Rogers

Harwich made the long trip to Whittlesey with Manager Shaun Tynan forced to make changes for the unavailable Luke Mayhew, Alfie Smith and Steve Polley. The Shrimpers took the field with the strong wind at their backs and attacked from the early stages with shots from Rob Pratt and Joe Knight. The pattern continued with Elliot Johnson firing in a 25 yard shot and Joe Knight shooting inches over the crossbar. Midway through the half Whittlesey did have a succession of corner kicks which the Shrimpers defence dealt with. With 29 minutes gone Harwich efforts were rewarded when a move started by Dan Keeble saw Rob Pratt fire in a great cross for Joe Knight to head the Shrimpers into the lead.
The wind was making it difficult and play became scrappy but a minute before half time Gareth Heath's well directed corner kick resulted in Joe Knight increasing the Shrimpers lead with his second excellent headed goal, his 23rd of the season. Harwich had been well on top and could have had at least another goal to show for the efforts in this half.
When the match restarted it was Whittlesey's turn to have the wind advantage and within 3 minutes the Harwich defence failed to clear from a corner and Ollie Gale reduced the arrears.
Athletic equalised in the 59th minute when following a long throw in the Shrimpers conceded an own goal with a header looping over goalkeeper Brad Cook.
Harwich who were not at their best in defence and also missing the buzz of their influential midfield trio conceded a penalty but Brad Cook made a super save by diving low to his right hand side.
The Shrimpers came close to regaining the lead with Joe Knight's shot striking the outside of the post but it was Athletic who took a 3-2 lead in the 79th minute and again it was a headed own goal.
With 85 minutes gone Kieran Hibbins netted Athletics fourth goal with a 20 yard strike. With added time approaching Whittlesey had a man sent off but it was too late to effect the result.
The Shrimpers now have two tough matches coming up, firstly Saturday's home game with Holbeach United, followed by the short trip to meet AFC Sudbury Reserves, who are in great form, having gone 11 matches without defeat.
Our thanks and best wishes to Whittlesey Athletic fc for their excellent hospitality.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Dan Keeble, Ben Hammond, Jack Wood, Archie Corner, Shaun Kioussis, Gareth Heath, Elliot Johnson, Rob Pratt, Chris Stratton and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Connor McLaughlin, Harry Tuck, Reece Harte and Daryl Eagle.