HARWICH and Parkeston are still searching for their first win of the season after losing 3-1 to Barkingside, at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The Shrimpers lacked the cutting edge of their opponents, in their Thurlow Nunn League division one south clash.

Barkingside took a 22nd-minute lead through Reece Simpson but 15 minutes later the Shrimpers pressed and the same player conceded an own goal for the equaliser.

However, with half-time approaching James Peagram restored Barkingside's lead.

Harwich were finding it tough going in the second half but keep battling.

Jamie Eades was winning the ball in the air for the Shrimpers in attack but with no effective follow up, Barkingside were able to regain possession and pressure was back on the home defence.

A telling moment came when last defender Nathan Kioussis was unable to clear and Rodrigues Martin was alert to convert a simple chance to put Barkingside into a commanding 3-1 lead.

In the closing stages Harwich found a way to create chances but the Barkingside defence defended stoutly and it was too late for the Shrimpers to save a point.

With first team call-ups, the Reserves promoted half a dozen youngsters from the under-18 team and Chris Stratton's last-minute goal gave them an excellent 1-0 victory at Gosfield United.

Harwich are at home to Haverhill Borough on Saturday whilst the reserves visit Shrub End United.