FINE VICTORY FOR HARWICH AT HACKNEY WICK

Harwich gained an excellent 3 points on their travels when they ventured into North London to take on much improved Hackney Wick and sealed victory with a lone Sean Bartlett goal shortly after the interval. Harwich included new centre half Hayden Dutch, recently signed from Stanway Rovers and he turned in an excellent performance alongside Dan Clark. Hackney Wick were buoyed by an excellent midweek victory over Frenford but found the new look Shrimpers in determined mood and it was clear from the early stages that there were not going to be too many goals with both defences looking very dominant. Chances were few in the first half, probably the best chance falling to Harwifch's Connor McLaughlin who blasted over from close range following a fine interpassing movement through the home defence. Harwich possibly could have had a penalty also when Sean Bartlett appeared to have been brought down from behind when through on goal. Harwich looked more threatening when they swapped Jake Koussis and Jake Plane with Kioussis more effective on his natural left side.
Harwich got off to a sensational start in the second half when they scored the all important decisive goal five minute after the resart. The Shrimpers gained a free kick 25 yards from goal from which Jake Kioussis whipped in a hard, low shot which the keeper spilled and the ever alert Sean Bartlett raced in quickly to shoot home. Hackney Wick raised their game immediatley and made two changes to their forward line. Harwich withdrew Ryan McGibbon who had been booked in the first half and was walking a tightrope with the Referee with his competitive work rate. Harry Banner came on as a replacement. The home side threw a lot of players forward to try to get into the game and certainly looked dangerous down their right flank. Fortunately the Harwich defence was in resolute mood and worked hard to keep their solitary goal lead intact. When they did get exposed goalkeeper Sam Felgate, who made 3 excellent saves, gave a very competent performance. With 15 minutes to go Harwich introduced another debutant, Suieman Bakalandwa, who took the role of lone striker, with Bartlett dropping back to replace Kioussis on the left. The new striker showed incredible pace and caused the Hackney defence problems from the outset. Two late corners from Hackney were confidently dealt with by the Harwich defence and a jubilant Shrimpers team celebrated the final whistle grateful for 3 more points on their route back up the table.
Hard to pick out a Man of the Match as all 13 Harwich players worked their socks off. Nicky Palmer and Sam Felgate had exceptional performances. Praise to for the Mangement duo of Michael Wallace and Gary Kioussis. They quickly saw the need to sub Ryan McGibbon midway through the second half to prevent him getting into further trouble with the Referee and Harwich going down to 10 men. It is a hard call to substitute one of your best players but if proved to be an excellent managerial decision.
On Saturday Harwich are at home to top of the table contenders Coggeshall United with a 3pm kick off. Coggeshall's long winning run of results has seen them quickly climb to be promotion challengers. It should be a great game between two in form teams.

Report by Tony Armstrong.