WHITE NOTLEY 0

HARWICH AND PARKESTON 2

Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division

HARWICH came out victors in this bottom-of-the-table clash.

A goal in each half ensured a vital victory as they moved further away from the relegation zone.

An inspired midfield performance from the returning Michael Murray was instrumental in a much-improved display, coupled with a very solid performance from goalkeeper Sam Felgate and defenders Luis Reynolds, Jake Neale, Dom Nea and Matt McGowan-Harvey.

Harwich played down the slope in the opening period and created several chances that, on another day, would have been converted.

Notley’s new goalkeeper had an inspired game and prevented Harwich from sealing the game in the first half, saving well from Darren Bethell, Matt Geen and Ben Elliott.

Michael Hammond, meanwhile, twice worked his way into good positions to threaten the Notley goal. Harwich more than deserved their opening goal.

A good effort from Hammond was blocked for a Harwich corner.

Bethell’s perfect delivery forced the home keeper to leave his line and punch clear, but his clearance only found Murray.

He took control of the ball just outside the box before perfectly placing it into the roof of the net, over the heads of a packed goalmouth.

The second half saw Notley being more adventurous down the slope and the Harwich rearguard worked hard to protect their 1-0 lead.

The Shrimpers always looked dangerous going forward, though, and were thwarted by good goalkeeping.

A great effort from Elliott bounced off the bar before Harwich sealed their victory with ten minutes to go.

A good inter-passing move down the right saw Ashley Woods make amends for hitting the corner flag with a close-range shot when he drilled the ball across and substitute Ben Murray played it into the path of Hammond, who volleyed home for 2-0.

Notley, realising the game was now lost, threatened little in the closing stages.

Their frustration cost them a booking and then, in the last ten seconds, the home centre-forward was straight red-carded for a verbal assault on referee Forbes.

Harwich entertain bottom-of-the-table Lawford Lads at the Oak tomorrow (kick-off 2pm).