HARWICH & PARKSTON RESERVES 5 IPSWICH WANDERERS RESERVES 1

RIDGEONS RESERVE LEAGUE CUP GROUP 1

SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2005

Wanderers strated the game in confident mood, as you would expect from a team still buzzing from their first win of the season the previous week. This was typified within the first few minutes when a good chance fell to Ryan Owens, who just failed to get his shot in before being crowded out by the Harwich defence. On 10 mins a corner by Darren Yellop caused panic in the Harwich defence as a loose ball fell to Blaine Burgess on the edge of the box who rifled a fierce drive that the Harwich ‘keeper did well to save. The rebound fell to Jack Tait who showed why he is a centre half by screwing his shot well wide.

David Kenyon latched onto a through ball by Tommy Youngs only to see his lob drop just wide. This was followed by a move between Adrian Roper and Neil Haywood which split open the Harwich defence for David Kenyon to create space for himself in the box. His cross appeared to strike the arm of a defender but, despite strong appeals, nothing was given. Wanderers continued to press for the opening goal, a just reward for all their pressure, with Ryan Owens cross to Lee Mandley whose shot was comfortable saved by the Harwich ‘keeper.

It was therefore very disappointing to concede a penalty in questionable circumstances as Adrian Roper’s last-ditch tackle was adjudged to have caught both ball and player. Harwich converted the spot kick and this gave them confidence to knock the ball about and within minutes score their second. Tommy Youngs was switched to the left with Lee Mandley back in the middle of defence, giving the team a more solid look and results came on 36 mins when good work by Ryan Owens released David Kenyon down the right and Neil Hayward scored from the rebound off his shot. Despite this comeback, Harwich made it 3 on 42 mins as poor defending let them back in.

Harwich and Parkston Reserves 3 Ipswich Wanderers Reserves 1

The second half started slowly with the players seemingly feeling the effects of the hectic first. Few chances were created by either side as Harwich were content to defend and then launch attacks on the break. On 67 mins these tactics paid off as the referee awarded a dubious corner that Wanderers failed to clear and led to Harwich’s fourth. Wanderers continued to battle but could not break down a stubborn defence and left themselves open for Harwich to score their fifth.