HARWICH and Parkeston drew 2-2 with Newbury Forest at the Gwinnells & Sons Royal Oak, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

Gareth Heath's equalised earned the Shrimpers a draw, in their latest Thurlow Nunn League first division south match.

Harwich went into the game looking for their first win, following five draws from six matches.

Their opponents Newbury Forest were on a high having pulled off a surprise result in gaining their first victory, beating league leaders Burnham Ramblers 6-2.

Shrimpers boss Michael Wallace boosted his squad to include two new strikers, after signing Asa Milliard from Brantham and FC Clacton's Andreas Antonio-Garcia.

Newbury Forest took the lead in the 38th minute when Jesse Osona netted following a corner.

But Harwich levelled in the 55th minute when following work by Sean Hobbins, Heath unselfishly passed to well placed Antonio-Garcia who made no mistake from close range.

Harwich were passing the ball better now and were on top but as they pressed for a winner there was danger that they would be caught out on the break by the speedy Forest attackers.

In a nail-biting finish, Newbury Forest got behind the Shrimpers defence and when goalkeeper Brad Cook could only push the ball out, Ansa Eden followed up to score.

It seemed that Harwich had lost all three points but they made a spirited counter attack and skipper Heath again proved his work by firing home, to earn them another draw.

Harwich visit high-flying Benfleet on Saturday whilst their reserves entertain Silver End on Friday, kick-off 7.45pm before hosting Coggeshall United Reserves next Tuesday.

Harwich's under-18s entertain Hadleigh, on Thursday.