POINT GAINED BY HARWICH & PARKESTON IN OPENING LEAGUE FIXTURE

A minutes silence in memory of Harwich & Parkeston President Norman Mann was respectively observed followed by a round of applause. There was a lovely moment when Shrimpers skipper Gareth Heath came over to make a presentation to Norman's daughter.
Newcomers Buckhurst Hill soon proved that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the League. Harwich goalkeeper Brad Cook made an excellent diving save from Suleyman Zuhdu. Harwich come back with goalkeeper Banfield saving Joe Knight's shot.
At times in the second half it was a determined rearguard action by Harwich with Brad Cook outstanding together with the good performances from the experienced Matt Stace and Nicky Palmer at the heart of their defence with a captains's effort from Gareth Heath who used his vast knowledge to good effect. The Shrimpers did not allow it to be one way traffic with their best effort coming when Declan Kama headed inches over the bar from Harry Miller's cross.
Man of the Match. Undoubtedly Harwich young goalkeeper Bradley Cook pulling off a series of superb recovery saves when it seemed Buckhurst Hill must score. Warmly applauded by the home crowd of 170.
Harwich Team 1 Brad Cook, 2 Alfie Smith,3 Josh Fouche, 4 Shaun Kioussis, 5 Nicky Palmer, 19 Matt Stace, 7 Declan Kama, 8 Gareth Heath, 9 Joe Knight, 10 Clarence Emeh, 11 Harry Miller Substitutes Used Brad Westley and Jamie Beecham.
Manager Michael Wallace expressed himself pleased with his team's performance and said that although he knew, due partly to covid difficulities, there are still things to put right, this was a point which would not have been gained last season.