Report by Colin Rogers

It was Haverhill who got the start that they were seeking when, in the 5th minute, full-back Reece Harte's attempted clearance fell to Shaun Avis, who gave Rovers the lead.
Harwich, who were without injured forwards Luke Mayhew and Joe Knight, plus Danny Garrad, came back in the 15th minute with a super goal.
Alfie Canning (pictured) cut inside the visitors' defence and, from the edge of the penalty area, curled his shot into the top corner of the net.
Rovers were mounting speedy attacks and midway through the half a long ball over the top of the Shrimpers' defence forced goalkeeper Brad Cook to come off his line only for Brandon McKay to restore Haverhill's lead with a well-taken, lobbed finish.
It was proving to be a match that had the enthusiastic crowd of 175 on their toes and before half time Harte levelled the scores with another excellent Harwich goal when, from 25 yards, he drilled a low shot past goalkeeper Alex Archer.

Read the matchday programme, including an interview with ex-Shrimper Ed Wootten, now Leeds United's goalkeeping coach!

With 10 minutes of the second half gone, a mistake in the Harwich defence was seized upon by Rovers captain Avis and he scored what would prove to be the winning goal.
Try as they might, Harwich, who fielded debutant Keelan Milburn at right-back following his move from Brantham, just could not reproduce the shots of the first half that had drawn them level but they were to have two late chances to equalise. Liam White created the first when he cut the ball across the Rovers goalmouth but with the ball bouncing on the goal-line, striker Louie Bloom was prevented from applying the finishing touch.
Rovers keeper Archer, displaying safe handling throughout, was having a good game, often thwarting Harwich efforts.
In the closing stages, Harwich were throwing caution to the winds and Haverhill had a chance to put the result beyond doubt but Brad James got back to save the Shrimpers with a last-ditch intervention.
Harwich's final opportunity to salvage a point came in the last minute of the game but the chance was blazed over the crossbar and Haverhill joyfully celebrated their victory and three vital points.
Harwich must now concentrate on winning their next two matches, Swaffham Town at home on Saturday and Haverhill Borough away on Tuesday. Then on Saturday November 2, they will have the opportunity to turn the tables when they visit Rovers' ground.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Keelan Milburn, Jack Wood, Brad James, Reece Harte, Alfie Smith, Gareth Heath, Liam White, Alfie Canning, Harvey Smith and Louie Bloom. Used substitutes: Idreess Namisi, Harry Tuck and Dan Keeble.

Harwich and Parkeston

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