HARWICH DEFEAT BENFLEET IN BBC ESSEX SENIOR CUP AFTER PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
THE SHRIMPERS GO INTO THE HAT FOR FRIDAY'S THIRD-ROUND DRAW WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A MOUTH-WATERING TIE AS THE BIGGER GUNS APPEAR IN THE COMPETITION
Report by Colin Rogers
Harwich were on top in the first half, creating more scoring opportunities, the first coming when Louie Bloom played in Luke Mayhew whose shot went just wide of the post.
Next Joe Knight fired in a 20-yard shot that big Benfleet goalkeeper Florent Gislette got down well to push out at the expense of a corner.
Benfleet came back to have their only real chance of the half with a shot that went inches wide.
Harwich had a couple more good chances with Danny Garrad whipping in a dangerous cross which Bloom was a fraction away from reaching and with a few minutes remaining before the interval, Gislette produced another good save, tipping Bloom's shot around the post.
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Benfleet came more into the game after the break, testing the Shrimpers' defence with a couple of speedy breaks.
Harwich were passing the ball well but defences were on top and during this half there were no clear-cut scoring chances.
Harwich goalkeeper Brad Cook and the back four had been in fine form throughout and with Benfleet making it a tight but enthralling contest, the game ended goalless and went straight to penalties to decide the outcome.
Alfie Canning, Harry Tuck and Liam White were successful with their spot kicks for Harwich and Cook was the hero for the Shrimpers, making two excellent stops, firstly diving full length to his right and then one to his left to save and so with four of the five kicks gone, Harwich were 3-1 winners.
They now go into the hat for Friday evening's last-32 draw, alongside the county's biggest sides, including Colchester United, Dagenham & Redbridge, Southend United and Braintree Town. The draw will be made live on BBC Essex's Football Fans' Phone-In show from 6pm.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Alfie Eldridge, Dan Keeble, Jack Wood, Reece Harte, Alfie Smith, Liam White, Luke Mayhew (capt), Louie Bloom, Joe Knight and Danny Garrad. Substitutes: Alfie Canning, Harry Tuck, Idreess Namisi, Ewan Livingston (all used) and Tyler Sullivan (not used).