HARWICH and Parkeston set up an intriguing top-of-the-table clash with Haverhill Rovers with a 5-1 triumph at Haverhill Borough, writes DANIEL ROGERS.
But do not be fooled by the scoreline; the Shrimpers had to see off a very strong challenge from Borough and an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Brad Cook played a major part in the margin of their victory.
Borough were quick out of the blocks and with only three minutes played, Cook had already been called upon to make two fine saves.
Harwich came back and it was Borough keeper Zac Tuvey's turn to pull off a super save when he tipped Joe Knight's 25-yard volley over the crossbar. Knight soon featured again when he beat two defenders before shooting inches wide of the post.
After Borough's whirlwind start, Harwich were enjoying a better spell now with Louie Bloom dinking the ball high over the home defence for Knight to snatch a shot just wide again.
In the 18th minute, Cook's long kick was flicked on by Bloom for Liam White to make an overlapping run and drill in a hard, low cross for the well-placed Knight to tap in Harwich well-worked opening goal.
On the half hour, Cook did well to make a stop but from the rebound defender Brad James was forced to make a goal line clearance and Harwich were lucky to retain their lead at this stage.
When Harwich attacked Knight was a threat and in the 36th minute he forced Turvey to make a good stop but Borough were also causing the Shrimpers' defence problems and Cook saved his team again at point blank range.
A minute before half-time Knight pounced on a mistake by the home defence to score Harwich's vital second goal.
The second half started with a Borough attack and Cook getting down low to save.
Harwich's clinical finishing was proving decisive and in the 61st minute, Danny Garrad scored their third goal following good work by skipper Gareth Heath and Bloom.
Garrad was enjoying a five-minute purple patch and he won the ball on the edge of the penalty area and then shoot Harwich's fourth goal.
The match was now well beyond Borough's reach but they had played good football and were rewarded with a tap in goal.
There just time for Harwich to ice the cake, with substitute Charlie Canham leaping to head in Heath's corner for the Shrimpers' fifth goal.
Harwich visit Haverhill Rovers on Saturday while the under-23s entertain Stanway Pegasus under-23s in the league.
Next Tuesday (November 5), the Shrimpers first team have another big match when Bowers and Pitsea visit the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak in the Essex Senior Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.
The visitors play in the Isthmian League Premier, three steps above Harwich, the first time for 20 years that the Shrimpers have met a team from this level.
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