HARWICH and Parkeston bowed out of the Essex Senior Cup after losing 3-0 at home to White Ensign, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The fire power of the Shrimpers' Essex Senior League opponents proving decisive in the second half.

Against opponents from a step higher, Harwich did well in the first half and there was little to choose between the teams.

Gareth Heath had a good chance to give the Shrimpers the lead in the 30th minute but the visitors keeper did well to save with his feet.

Five minutes later, a good White Ensign move ended with Connor Barnby giving them the lead.

Harwich continued to hold their own after the break and had their chances when the White Ensign defence did well with a couple of blocks in the penalty area.

Then in the 70th minute, Zack Littlejohn increased White Ensign's lead with a cracking shot from inside the penalty area.

The Shrimpers tried to comeback and full-back Reece Harte's shot brought a fine diving save from the visitors' keeper.

But White Ensign's third goal came in the closing stages with another fierce drive, for Barnby's second goal.