HARWICH and Parkeston have suffered a blow ahead of the new season after striker Joe Knight suffered a serious leg injury, writes COLIN ROGERS.

Knight was injured following a tackle after just ten minutes of the Shrimpers' penalty shoot-out defeat to FC Clacton in the Kevin Beattie Memorial Cup, at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak.

The striker was taken to hospital, where it was confirmed he had suffered cracks in his tibia in his ankle and halfway up his leg.

Everyone at Harwich and Parkeston, FC Clacton and the Kevin Beattie Foundation wishes Joe the quickest possible recovery.

FC Clacton enjoyed more possession early on but the Harwich back four of Alfie Smith, Tyler Sullivan, Dan Keeble and Archie Corner defended well to keep the Seasiders at bay.

Scoring chances for both sides were few and far between but Harry Miller created an opening for substitute Jay Eggerichs, whose shot was comfortably saved by the FC Clacton goalkeeper.

Shrimpers manager Sean Tynan made changes at half-time, switching Alfie Smith to midfield with Reece Harte coming in at full-back.

The Harwich defence continued to remain a solid barrier, which the Clacton attack were unable to breakthrough.

Luke Mayhew had also come on to pep up the Harwich attack with some lively runs.

However in a game when defences took the honours, it was no surprise that at full-time a shoot out was necessary to decide the destination of the cup.

Harwich were the first to miss a spot-kick in the shoot-out before Shrimpers goalkeeper Brad Cook produced a fine save from the visitors' next attempt.

But eventually FC Clacton ran out 6-5 winners, to retain the trophy.

At the presentation, thanks was given to the players, the crowd of almost 250 who attended and all the helpers, with the event raising more than £1,000 for the charity.