Harwich goalkeeper Brad Cook was twice called upon in the first 5 minutes, firstly making a really good stop by getting low down to a shot, then with a repeat performance saving another goalbound effort.
The Shrimpers were unfortunate not to score in the 10th minute when Liam White's effort struck the post. However, 4 minutes later they took the lead with a well-worked move. Oakley McNair fed the ball down the by-line to Zac Pedro who crossed for Louie Bloom to neatly back-flick to the far post where Shaun Avis was perfectly positioned to apply the finishing touch.
Harwich were the better team during the first half and deserved their interval lead.
West Essex came back strongly in the second half and equalised in the 80th minute when Reece Simpson netted from the penalty spot.

Click here to read the matchday programme!

It was an exciting finish to the match and 4 minutes later Harwich came back to snatch the winning goal when a low, 20-yard shot from Alfie Eldridge (pictured) was well placed and although keeper Preston Carey got a hand to the ball he could not prevent it entering the corner of the net.
In the last seconds, Carey joined the visitors' attack for a final effort to take the match to a penalty shoot-out but the Shrimpers defence had performed well and snuffed out the danger.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Oakley McNair, Charlie Canham, Freddy Cooper, Tiwa Odufuye, Alfie Eldridge, Liam White, Alfie Canning, Zachary Pedro, Louie Bloom and Shaun Avis. Used substitutes: Teddy Johnson, Thomas Watkins and Brandon Rusby.