TAKELEY 1

HARWICH AND PARKESTON 0

Essex Senior Cup first round

HARWICH faced a tough tie against the undefeated Essex Senior League leaders, who have also won their FA Cup and Vase matches.

The Shrimpers were without leading scorer Jordan Heath and played five in midfield, leaving Shaun Gunn to plough a lone furrow up front.

Despite this, Harwich gave an excellent account of themselves, causing Takeley problems, with Gunn forcing keeper Yates to make a fine save, Jake Kioussis heading just over and Ryan Heath just failing to control Shaun Mathurin's defence-splitting pass.

Harwich continued to do well in the second half but, in the 72nd minute, Takeley, for the first time, had a clear-cut chance and the Senior League's leading scorer, Stuart Zanone, headed the ball in at the far post to give his team the lead.

The Shrimpers continued to show fighting spirit and brought on Luke Barnard to join the hard-working Gunn in attack.

For Harwich, Michael Hammond headed just over and when Zanone looked certain to score again, Shaun Kioussis made a terrific last-second tackle.

It was a performance to be proud of for Harwich, with lots of positives for their management team.