Tuesday night saw the SeedGrowers take on Heybridge Swifts, who had fielded a side with a number of former-reds. Off the bat we were able to drive forward, but couldn’t convert the chance. Up the other end Akan George made a sensational save to deny the Swifts early on. Pat soon after headed wide from a corner, with Heybridge’s Harrison Sodje finding himself on the receiving end of a yellow card shortly after.

Cesario Mendez was unlucky to receive another knock during his short time with us, having to be substituted for Skirmantas Bulauka, who slotted in at right-wingback. Heybridge continued to threaten as they struck the woodwork, George however was able to make a fantastic double save and clear the ball off the line. Bulauka was not long after shown a yellow card for an unsavoury challenge on the wing.

Half time: Heybridge Swifts 0 – 0 Coggeshall Town

Swifts began to press early into the second half, coming close shortly after the initial whistle. The SeedGrowers were not without their chances though, with Shamido Pedulu making a fantastic run, then slotting the ball towards Hirst, who drilled a brilliant effort towards the opposition net, just about being saved by Chafer.

Former-Coggeshall man Ross Wall gave George something to worry about at the other end, but Akan was able to stop the attempt on goal. The keeper was unlucky in his next challenge however, as Heydbridge broke the deadlock through Quba Gordon, who struck the back of the net sixty-five minutes in. A second change for the reds saw Kris Oti replace Kevin Toualeu, as we looked to equalise the scoreline.

However, the Swifts made sure this wouldn’t be a possibility as Jack Adlington-Pile doubled the home side’s lead ten minutes after the first blow. Another former player, Tyler Brampton was forced to come off due to injury, and was replaced by Manny N’Daw. Kris Oti was shortly after booked for reacting to being tripped. Oti was shown yellow, but the challenge on the same man seemed to go unnoticed. Rob Harvey was taken of for the Swifts in their final change of the night, with Rhys Henry taking his place on the right hand side.

The SeedGrowers also made their last substitution in the form of Vincent Follea, who came on in place of Shamido Pedulu. A final attempt on goal for the reds came via Luke Hirst, whose solo counter-attack forced an impressive save from Chafer, shortly before the final whistle was blown.

Full time: Heybridge Swifts 2 – 0 Coggeshall Town