A BATTLING performance from a spirited Harwich was not enough for them to progress in the FA Vase, writes ANDREW SCHOOLER.

Having made the long trip to Walthamstow to face a West Essex side playing a level above them in the non-league pyramid, Sean Tynan's men fought tooth-and-nail to take the first qualifying round tie to penalties only to be beaten 5-3 on spot-kicks in the cruellest fashion.

Keeper Brad Cook produced an outstanding display to keep the hosts at bay but he was powerless to stop West Essex converting their five spot-kicks.

The key moment in the shoot-out came when with the hosts 3-2 up, Luke Mayhew saw his penalty kick saved by Arthur Leblond.

Man-of-the-match Cook had thwarted the home side, who went into the tie holding a 100 per cent record in the Essex Senior League, time and time again during regular time.

He produced several good stops in the first half in which West Essex were the better side, although often their efforts on goal came from distance with Cook equal to the task.

When Marion Ortiz did manage to power through the middle of the Shrimpers defence and shoot beyond Cook, his effort came back off a post.

Perhaps a little fortunate to be level at the break, Harwich began the second half in much better fashion.

Joe Knight gave the home defence plenty of problems in the air, forced a save from the keeper early on before Matt Geen was somehow denied from close range, first by a good Leblond save and then by a defender, who blocked his rebound effort on the line.

Midway through what was a much more even half, Cook produced his best save of the night - a blinding double stop which required the 21-year-old to quickly get back on his feet to make a second save diving to his left to keep out a rasping effort from David Bell.

However in general, the hosts lacked the final ball and some good Harwich defending ensured most of their second half efforts at goal came from long range.

With the Shrimpers having secured a consecutive third clean sheet, there was hope of an upset when the final whistle sounded but it was the hosts who kept their nerve in the shoot-out.

Harwich travel to Downham Market on Saturday whilst the Reserves entertain Dunmow Town at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, kick-off 3pm, with the hot-shot visitors determined to make a quick return to higher football.

West Essex 0 Harwich & Parkeston 0 ( West Essex won 5-3 on penalties)