All pictures courtesy of Chris Smith

by TERRY FRANCIS

HARWICH AND PARKESTON 2

HALSTEAD TOWN 3

Thurlow Nunn League

division one south

HARWICH were edged out in a closely-contested encounter against experienced, Championship-chasing Halstead Town.

In the opening minutes, Harwich goalkeeper Sam Felgate made two smart saves to prevent his team from going behind.

Harwich settled down and it was Town keeper Jack Cherry's turn to shine, saving low at the post from Michael Hammond's shot.

The Shrimpers had more chances than Halstead during the goal-less first half and Kevin Coyle twice shot over the crossbar.

In the 52nd minute, Felgate was forced to come off his line but his clearance was lobbed into the net by Joe Jones to give Halstead the lead.

A couple of minutes later, Halstead scored again with Tom Cook's effort deflected past Felgate.

Harwich were unlucky when Luke Barnard's pinpoint cross was headed against the bar by Hammond while at the other end Jones' shot struck the angle of post and bar.

Harwich's Tyler Rose had worked tirelessly in attack and he was rewarded when he ran through to reduce the arrears with 75 minutes gone.

The Shrimpers' comeback suffered a blow six minutes later, with Cook making the score 3-1 in Halstead's favour.

In stoppage time, substitute Jamie Beecham scored Harwich's second goal with a shot into the far corner of the net.

The Shrimpers sent everyone forward in the last couple of minutes but could not snatch a draw.

On Saturday, a rearranged fixture means Harwich are at home to Hackney Wick at the Royal Oak (kick-off 3pm).

The reserves travel to Vista Road, Clacton to meet Elmden Rovers.