Harwich manager Andy Clark knows his side face a tough battle when they host second-placed Sudbury in the Jewson League premier division tomorrow (Saturday).

The two sides met earlier this season with the Suffolk side running out 4-0 winners against the Shrimpers, who are still eight points adrift from nearest rivals Tiptree.

Clark said: "The game earlier this season didn't reflect the performance. It was level for much of the game but we let in some late goals. It was 2-0 after 80 minutes, and we created plenty of chances.

"Obviously, we are looking to improve on that but it's not going to be easy."

But Clark will be boosted by the return of veteran midfielder Christian McClean, who has served a lengthy ban for being sent-off twice earlier this season.

He has also signed attacking midfielder Robbie Newman from Ryman League side Romford as the Shrimpers have to adjust to life without Tom English junior, who recently left to join a professional club in Singapore.

English, who scored six goals, has been one of Harwich's few plus points of the campaign and he was on trial at Nationwide League first division side Queens Park Rangers.

Clark added: "I'm still looking for a couple more players but Robbie will help to improve the squad. If you look at Sudbury they have tremendous strength in depth and they have quality players throughout their team.

"The best thing we can do is try to take the game to them. Basically, we need to keep hold of the ball for as much as possible and not waste possession."

Harwich hadn't played for three weeks prior to Tuesday's 6-2 defeat, after extra-time, at Great Wakering Rovers in the East Anglian Cup. And Clark believes the run-out was crucial for his players.

Their last league game was a fine 2-0 victory at Ipswich Wanderers on January 13.

Clark added: "Having not played for so long it was good to get a work-out before the Sudbury game which is obviously our priority.

"The fact that it went into extra-time as well gave me the chance to try out a few squad players."

Sudbury, meanwhile, will be on a high after crushing Woodbridge 8-1 on Tuesday. They are many people's tips for the title this season.

They also enjoyed an excellent FA Cup run which saw them become the only Jewson League team to reach the first round proper, where they lost 6-1 to Darlington having taken an early lead.

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