BRAINTREE U18s  3
HARWICH & PARKESTON U18s  2
5 March 2008
 

Harwich & Parkeston slipped to there 1st defeat of the season away to Braintree Town F.C.  The game being played on a perfect pitch allowing both sides to play quality passing football.  Harwich lined up 4-4-2 with the home team 3-5-2.  Braintree took the lead mid way through the 1st half after a long ball forward, bizarrely came of the attackers shin and rolled into the Harwich net.  Harwich came back well and within 5 minutes were level a well taken free kick was met by the Harwich skipper Michael Hammond to head home.  Just before half time Harwich took the lead after a melee in the Braintree goal mouth Andy Hammett toe poked the ball home.

The second half was a close even affair both sides really not making the break through to run away with the game, but that all changed with 15 minutes to go the nippy right sided winger for Braintree broke free down the by line, Daryl Johnson the covering defender's tackle was a little late but with no malice, the referee gave a free kick then after consultation with his assistant gave Daryl a straight red.  After the match the referee confirmed that Daryl J was sent off for a two footed tackle, this was never the case and Daryl must feel harshly done by.  The sending off badly affected the Harwich side who are renowned for the team spirit and camaraderie with each other, instead of concentrating till the end of the game the minds were elsewhere which to the poorest 10 minutes played by the 18's this season.  Michael Hammond conceded a needless penalty which the Braintree skipper dispatched with ease and with the final kick of the game Braintree again broke down the right and the perfect cross met at the back post to give Braintree a good win and moves Braintree into joint 2nd spot.