by TERRY FRANCIS

BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES 1

HARWICH AND PARKESTON 2

Thurlow Nunn League

division one south

HARWICH gained a thrilling last-minute victory to take their winning run to ten consecutive matches.

In the spacious surrounding of Cressing Road, the Shrimpers were in great form from the start and Braintree goalkeeper James Mordecai kept his team in the game with a series of excellent saves.

Striker Callum Griffiths tested him twice in the early stages and the keeper also made good stops from Brad Westley and Elliot Johnson.

Harwich eventually took the lead in the 35th minute when Johnson broke through again.

Although Mordecai got a hand to his lob, he could not prevent the ball ending up in the net.

A few minutes later, Joe Knight netted what Harwich thought was a second goal but he was ruled offside.

Then the Shrimpers suffered a blow that was to change the balance of the game when Nicky Palmer was sent off for retaliating to a foul.

After the half-time break, Braintree came out determined to make their numerical advantage count and Harwich were forced onto the defensive.

Leading scorer Jordan Heath, now playing as a lone striker, was still able to cause the home defence problems and when he got through and laid the ball across the goal, his oncoming team-mates were just unable to make contact.

Braintree were forcing the pace now and in the 73rd minute they were rewarded when Erin Muti gave keeper Sam Felgate no chance with the equaliser, struck from just inside the penalty box.

Mordecai made a fine diving save from Knight's header while at the other end Felgate saved well from Warren Kayenbe.

It seemed Harwich would do well to go home with a point but their managers made a brave decision, substituting Jordan Heath and bringing on Tyler Rose.

In the closing minutes, Ryan Heath made a break down the left flank and crossed for Rose to hammer in Harwich's winner, sending his team-mates and the strong band of supporters into raptures.

On Saturday, Harwich have a crucial fixture when they entertain May and Baker at the Royal Oak (kick-off 3pm).

May and Baker are in fifth position in the league but have games in hand that could take them to the top.

The Shrimpers are in fourth position and in such good form that they are also challenging.

HARWICH AND

PARKESTON RESERVES 1

TAVERN 0

Essex and Suffolk Border

League division three

HARWICH fielded a mixture of youth and experience with first-team squad members Ben Hammond and Sean Mathurin seeking fitness after injuries, while young Harry Harvey was included after a brief run-out at Braintree.

In an even first half, the Shrimpers' best chance came when leading scorer Konnor Oughton broke through but goalkeeper George Everett was out smartly to save.

After the break, Harwich created chances but Everett was in good form, saving well from Matt McGowan-Harvey and Oughton.

Harwich's winner came from Ross Garwood, after more good work by Oughton.

These three valuable points take the reserves well clear of the bottom three in the league. They have no game this weekend.