HARWICH AND PARKESTON 2

ELMDEN ROVERS 0

Essex and Suffolk Border League division one

HARWICH were without Martin Calver, Matt and John Stace but kept up their challenge to hold on to third spot in the division.

The strong wind and bouncing ball again made it difficult to play attractive football.

Harwich took the lead in the tenth minute, when Craig Martin shot goalwards and Darren Bethell forced the ball home, despite the attention of two defenders.

Six minutes later, Martin dispossessed the defence but his shot struck the post.

Shortly afterwards, Elmden’s dangerous Ali Alamin was denied by a goal-line clearance by Jake Neale.

Elmden grew in confidence and Bradley Warner volleyed narrowly wide, following good work by Danny Hunt.

A flighted cross deceived Shrimpers goalkeeper Sam Felgate but he made amends from the resultant corner to thwart Chris Packard.

Both teams created good scoring chances in what was a fairly even first half.

Harwich started the second half strongly and the visitors’ keeper, Dan Welsh, made smart saves from Bethell and Robbie May.

Elmden’s resolute defending and teamwork gave them hope that they could get something from the game, with Warner going close and Sam Randle and Chay Warner spurning chances.

Harwich made the three points safe in the 80th minute, when May released Bethell and he finished well to net the second goal.

Tomorrow, Harwich are away to Alresford Colne Rangers Reserves (kick-off 3pm).