HARWICH & PARKESTON 3

LAWFORD LADS 1

Kent Blaxill Essex & Suffolk Border League premier division

WITH their three main title rivals all dropping two points in hard matches, this victory strengthened Harwich’s position at the top of the table.

Lawford Lads belied their position at the foot of the table and pushed Harwich all the way.

The first half hour was evenly contested but in the 32nd minute Jordan Heath broke the deadlock with a cracking shot from the edge of the penalty area to give the Shrimpers the lead.

Ben Upton came close to equalising for Lawford when his cross struck the crossbar with goalkeeper Scott Wass struggling.

Harwich’s second goal was a family affair when Darren Bethell calmly slotted home Bobby Bethell’s accurate free-kick.

Lawford started the second half strongly and then continued to be the better team, although their shooting was off target.

Harwich produced a bright spot when Darren Bethell dribbled through to create a chance for Jordan Heath but Lawford goalkeeper Glenn Morrison was quickly out to thwart the Shrimpers leading goalscorer.

Lawford deservedly reduced the arrears when Macauley Watson scored with an excellent angled shot.

Harwich realised that they must buck up and get another goal to be safe.

In the 80th minute, Jordan Heath was brought down and got up to take the penalty kick.

Morrison saved the spot kick but could only push the ball out for the advancing Trevor Lewis to hammer into the net and give Harwich the cushion that they needed.

The Lads kept trying and Wass made a terrific save to turn Richard Davidson’s shot over the crossbar.

Tomorrow the first team entertain University of Essex at the Royal Oak, kick-off 2pm, while the Reserves travel to Colne Engaine.