by TERRY FRANCIS

HARWICH AND PARKESTON 3

WHITE ENSIGN 3

Thurlow Nunn League

division one south

AN enthusiastic crowd of nearly 200 at the spick and span Royal Oak ground set the scene for Harwich and Parkeston's return to senior football.

It proved an enjoyable afternoon, with the Shrimpers holding their own to earn a draw.

After some even opening exchanges, White Ensign took the lead in the 17th minute with a well-taken goal by Domonic Locke.

To the delight of the home supporters, Harwich equalised in the 30th minute when Jamie Beecham threaded the ball through and Jordan Heath dispossessed the visiting goalkeeper before netting.

White Ensign's canny attackers were finding space and Liam Sewell took advantage to restore the visitors' lead and Harwich were in trouble when John Helyard ran through to put the Shrimpers 3-1 down.

Just before half-time, Nicky Palmer slid in Harwich's second goal to put his side back in contention.

Early in the second half, a sending off reduced White Ensign to ten men and Harwich seized the opportunity with Jake Richardson levelling the scores with a thunderbolt drive from the edge of the penalty area which rocketed in via the post and crossbar.

Harwich pressed in search of a winner but White Ensign defended well and were dangerous from breakaways.

A draw was a fair result and the Harwich management team praised their team for coming back from a two-goal deficit.