BackSat 07 Mar 2026 ·  Premier Division
Harwich & ParkestonIlford FC
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MORE FRUSTRATION AS HARWICH LOSE TO TWO LATE GOALS
Terry Francis8 Mar - 09:27
FOR THE SECOND TIME IN FIVE DAYS, THE SHRIMPERS SUFFERED DEFEAT, THIS TIME LOSING TO ILFORD HAVING LED WITH THREE MINUTES TO GO.
Fifth-placed Ilford started the match on attack but the Shrimpers defended well to weather the storm in the first 15 minutes. During this period the closest Ilford came was a header from a cross that went just over the crossbar.
With 19 minutes gone, Harwich took the lead with an excellent 25-yard shot from Louie Bloom (pictured) that beat goalkeeper Williamson Boateng to dip into the top of the net. Harwich then had a period when they twice went close to increasing their lead with Zac Pedro's corner kick being cleared off the goal-line and then, from another corner, Charlie Canham fired in a shot that went just wide.
However, Ilford finished the half strongly for Harwich to go in at half time with just a single-goal lead.
After the break, Harwich were on the defensive, having to battle hard to keep Ilford at bay.
Joe Knight was working hard for the Shrimpers, often in a lone role in the Shrimpers' attack, and he created a chance for himself when he cleverly controlled a long clearance but his 25-yard shot was too high.
Ilford forced a string of corner kicks which Harwich defended well and when called upon, goalkeeper Brad Cook punched clear several times.
When Harwich mounted a good move there was a chance for the hard -orking Alfie Canning but his snap shot went over the crossbar.
The Shrimpers defence had been excellent in ensuring that Harwich hung on to their lead but with only three minutes of normal time remaining, there was heartbreak for them when the ball bounced off Cook and Solomon Ofori was alert to snap up the chance to equalise.
Then, in injury time, Ofori won all 3 points for Ilford with a well-taken shot that Cook did well to get a hand to but could not prevent entering the net.
There was one last chance for Harwich to rescue a point but Gareth Heath's dangerous corner kick was well gathered by Boateng.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Reuben Keeys, Charlie Canham, Jack Wood, Tiwa Odufuye, Tyler Sullivan, Alfie Canning, Liam White, Louie Bloom, Zac Pedro and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Gareth Heath, Tom Watkins (both used), Oakley McNair, Luke Hopwood and Brandon Rusby (not used).
With 19 minutes gone, Harwich took the lead with an excellent 25-yard shot from Louie Bloom (pictured) that beat goalkeeper Williamson Boateng to dip into the top of the net. Harwich then had a period when they twice went close to increasing their lead with Zac Pedro's corner kick being cleared off the goal-line and then, from another corner, Charlie Canham fired in a shot that went just wide.
However, Ilford finished the half strongly for Harwich to go in at half time with just a single-goal lead.
After the break, Harwich were on the defensive, having to battle hard to keep Ilford at bay.
Joe Knight was working hard for the Shrimpers, often in a lone role in the Shrimpers' attack, and he created a chance for himself when he cleverly controlled a long clearance but his 25-yard shot was too high.
Ilford forced a string of corner kicks which Harwich defended well and when called upon, goalkeeper Brad Cook punched clear several times.
When Harwich mounted a good move there was a chance for the hard -orking Alfie Canning but his snap shot went over the crossbar.
The Shrimpers defence had been excellent in ensuring that Harwich hung on to their lead but with only three minutes of normal time remaining, there was heartbreak for them when the ball bounced off Cook and Solomon Ofori was alert to snap up the chance to equalise.
Then, in injury time, Ofori won all 3 points for Ilford with a well-taken shot that Cook did well to get a hand to but could not prevent entering the net.
There was one last chance for Harwich to rescue a point but Gareth Heath's dangerous corner kick was well gathered by Boateng.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Reuben Keeys, Charlie Canham, Jack Wood, Tiwa Odufuye, Tyler Sullivan, Alfie Canning, Liam White, Louie Bloom, Zac Pedro and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Gareth Heath, Tom Watkins (both used), Oakley McNair, Luke Hopwood and Brandon Rusby (not used).
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