‘I know my players will run through brick walls for their team-mates’ – Harvest finish cup campaign by ending Paulsgrove’s unbeaten run

Harvest manager Steve Harris hailed the efforts of his squad as they finished their L4 Teamwear Challenge Cup campaign with a thumping 4-1 win over Paulsgrove.
By Lewis Mason
Published 3rd May 2021, 16:26 BST
Mike Granger converted a penalty as Harvest inflicted a first loss of 2020/21 on much-changed Paulsgrove in the L4 Teamwear Challenge Cup. Picture: Vernon NashMike Granger converted a penalty as Harvest inflicted a first loss of 2020/21 on much-changed Paulsgrove in the L4 Teamwear Challenge Cup. Picture: Vernon Nash
Mike Granger converted a penalty as Harvest inflicted a first loss of 2020/21 on much-changed Paulsgrove in the L4 Teamwear Challenge Cup. Picture: Vernon Nash

Despite being unable to qualify for the knockout stages, Harvest claimed a group 6 victory over their higher tier Hampshire Premier League Senior Division visitors to Front Lawn.

Jay Kane (2), Charlie Deluchi and Mike Granger wrapped up just a second win in six tournament matches for Harvest.

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Harris said: 'It was 0-0 at half time but we went up again to another level and full credit to ourselves.

'Take nothing away from Paulsgrove they’re a good team, they got the ball down and tried to play football, it was just unfortunate they came up against the better side on the day.

‘Full credit to everyone who played for me within the squad. A lot of people put their bodies on the line and we were starting with some players who were injured.

'It shows me I’m happy with what I’ve got in my squad. I know those players will run through brick walls for their team-mates.'

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Deluchi and Kane had fired Harvest 2-0 ahead before Ben Vassallo marked his return with a goal for a much-changed Grove side.

Granger's penalty and a second from Kane sentenced Grove to their first loss of 2020/21 - they had previously won 15 of their 16 league and cup games, only drawing 3-3 with Locks Heath.

Grove boss Wayne Grant conceded: 'It was no disrespect to Harvest. It’s such a quick turnaround in games, the job was done, being a 1 o’clock kick-off on a bank holiday weekend as well I just basically gave the lads a weekend off.

'We were pretty much unrecognisable from our normal team. It was a chance to give everyone a week off, recover, as the job was already done.'

Grove now host Senior Division rivals Stockbridge this Saturday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Related topics:PaulsgroveWayne Grant