BackTue 12 Aug 2025 ·  Premier Division
Saffron Walden Town FC
Harwich & Parkeston
4
0
EARLY SENDING OFF LEAVES HARWICH WITH A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB
Terry Francis13 Aug - 19:46
TEN-MAN SHRIMPERS PUT UP A GOOD FIGHT IN FIRST HALF BUT UNBEATEN SAFFRON WALDEN SHOWED THEIR CLASS AFTER THE BREAK TO RUN OUT 4-0 WINNERS
Saffron Walden mounted the first attack with Shrimpers keeper Brad Cook getting down well to save.
In the 5th minute, the Shrimpers came within inches of taking the lead when Luke Mayhew's powerful shot from the edge of penalty area rattled the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.
Then they suffered a major setback when the referee deemed that Shrimpers midfielder Freddy Cooper's low tackle, which brought his opponent down, was avoidable and showed him a straight red card.
Harwich defended well and were also having their fair share of the attacking play. Good work by Ted Johnson saw Mayhew drill the ball across the face of the goalmouth and Walden were grateful to clear at the expense of a corner kick.
Fast and skilful, Jeff Cobblah was testing the Shrimpers' defence and fired in a shot that hit the post with Cook managing to get a hand to the ball.
More good work by Mayhew and Louie Bloom saw Harwich appeals for handball and a penalty turned down, as were their hopes of the referee evening the numbers up when Bloom was floored and only a yellow card given.
With half time approaching, Harwich had given as good as they got, but Saffron Walden took advantage of their extra man to find space, causing Cook to advance and Salim Mkubwa Nassor slotted them into the lead.
Harwich refused to be negative and came out for the second half looking for an equaliser with Bloom and Mayhew still working like Trojans.
However, Saffron Walden were proving to be fast and accurate and the handicap of 10 men undid Harwich with the unmarked Toheeb Elegushi scoring the home team's second goal.
Cook made two magnificent blocks as Walden sought to ram home their advantage but the Shrimpers still had hopes and Bloom's clever pass was inches away from giving Tyler Sullivan a clear run on goal.
Urged on by manager Matt Carmichael (pictured), Harwich were still pushing forward but Saffron Walden were ruthless in attack and Elegushi netted his second goal.
Saffron Walden were fielding their 16-year-old prodigy Ollie Rulten in goal and he proved his promise by pulling off some excellent saves to prevent Harwich getting on the scoresheet.
Harwich never stopped trying but player-manager Sam Deering added a 4th goal for the hosts in the closing stages.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Tom Watkins, Max Long, Dan Keeble, Charlie Canham, Teddy Johnson, Alfie Eldridge, Freddy Cooper, Charlie Lindoe, Luke Mayhew and Louie Bloom. Substitutes (all used): Jack Wood, Alfie Canning, Tyler Sullivan, James Letts and Theo Clayson.
In the 5th minute, the Shrimpers came within inches of taking the lead when Luke Mayhew's powerful shot from the edge of penalty area rattled the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.
Then they suffered a major setback when the referee deemed that Shrimpers midfielder Freddy Cooper's low tackle, which brought his opponent down, was avoidable and showed him a straight red card.
Harwich defended well and were also having their fair share of the attacking play. Good work by Ted Johnson saw Mayhew drill the ball across the face of the goalmouth and Walden were grateful to clear at the expense of a corner kick.
Fast and skilful, Jeff Cobblah was testing the Shrimpers' defence and fired in a shot that hit the post with Cook managing to get a hand to the ball.
More good work by Mayhew and Louie Bloom saw Harwich appeals for handball and a penalty turned down, as were their hopes of the referee evening the numbers up when Bloom was floored and only a yellow card given.
With half time approaching, Harwich had given as good as they got, but Saffron Walden took advantage of their extra man to find space, causing Cook to advance and Salim Mkubwa Nassor slotted them into the lead.
Harwich refused to be negative and came out for the second half looking for an equaliser with Bloom and Mayhew still working like Trojans.
However, Saffron Walden were proving to be fast and accurate and the handicap of 10 men undid Harwich with the unmarked Toheeb Elegushi scoring the home team's second goal.
Cook made two magnificent blocks as Walden sought to ram home their advantage but the Shrimpers still had hopes and Bloom's clever pass was inches away from giving Tyler Sullivan a clear run on goal.
Urged on by manager Matt Carmichael (pictured), Harwich were still pushing forward but Saffron Walden were ruthless in attack and Elegushi netted his second goal.
Saffron Walden were fielding their 16-year-old prodigy Ollie Rulten in goal and he proved his promise by pulling off some excellent saves to prevent Harwich getting on the scoresheet.
Harwich never stopped trying but player-manager Sam Deering added a 4th goal for the hosts in the closing stages.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Tom Watkins, Max Long, Dan Keeble, Charlie Canham, Teddy Johnson, Alfie Eldridge, Freddy Cooper, Charlie Lindoe, Luke Mayhew and Louie Bloom. Substitutes (all used): Jack Wood, Alfie Canning, Tyler Sullivan, James Letts and Theo Clayson.
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