HARWICH AND PARKESTON 3

WEST BERGHOLT 3

Essex and Suffolk Border League premier division

HARWICH showed they are making progress but were denied victory by two late goals against fifth-placed Bergholt.

They almost scored twice in the first five minutes with Luke Barnard shooting inches outside the post and then Matt Geen's shot rattling the crossbar, with the keeper beaten.

It was against the run of play that Bergholt took the lead in the 15th minute, but it was a great shot from Ryan Carvey that gave goalkeeper Sam Felgate no chance.

Powerful West Bergholt then impressed but five minutes before half-time Barnard equalised for Harwich when he drilled the ball home following a cross.

After the break, Harwich got on top and Andy Gibbons had a shot deflected when he was well placed to score. Harwich were rewarded in the 60th minute when they mounted an excellent attack.

Ollie Lamb's cross set up Gibbons and this time he gave the Shrimpers the lead.

Harwich were buzzing when, five minutes later, Geen crossed and Barnard hammered in their third.

The Shrimpers remained on top but, with 15 minutes remaining, Dan Price gave the visitors a lifeline by netting their second.

Bergholt seized the chance when Harwich failed to clear a corner and Darren Bethell equalised against his old club.

In an exciting finish, both teams attacked and for Harwich Geen set up Sam Thompson, but he was unable to find the net.

Tomorrow, Harwich travel to meet the University of Essex.