REPORT BY TERRY FRANCIS AND COLIN ROGERS

Harwich got off to a flying start by taking the lead after only 2 minutes when Louie Bloom fired over a cross from the left flank and Alfie Canning (pictured) rose high above his marker to net with a well-placed header.
The Shrimpers had picked an attacking formation, including 3 recognised strikers, and Joe Knight, back from suspension, went close in the 10th minute.
Sporting Bengal's tall central attacker, Noah Adrejokia, was dangerous and he had Harwich goalkeeper Brad Cook diving across his goal with a shot that went inches outside the post.
Sporting had a lot of possession and the Harwich defence did well to keep them at bay as they launched the ball into the penalty area, courtesy of their long throw-in specialist.
One of Harwich's new signings, left wing-back Tiwa Odufuye, made a good run, beating two players, but his new colleagues were unable to take advantage of his cross.

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Sporting deservedly equalised in the 68th minute when Jaiden Odie hammered in a fierce drive from close range.
Another new Shrimpers signing, experienced former Haverhill Rovers striker Shaun Avis. was also making his debut. He worked hard, winning headers in attack, but was forced to come back and help out in defence for a lot of the game.
Sporting pressed hard after their equaliser and at times for Harwich it was a case of hanging on for a point.
Harwich's 3rd new signing, Zachary Pedro, came on to show promise in attack and in the closing stages Harwich did come close with Jack Wood having a fierce shot deflected just over the crossbar and in the last seconds Sporting keeper Harold Poku Adu pulling off a fine save, at the expense of a corner kick from Alfie Eldridge's shot.
However, Sporting had enjoyed more of the possession during the 90 minutes and so Harwich will look upon this as a point gained.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Alfie Eldridge, Tiwa Odufuye, Jack Wood, Charlie Canham, Tyler Sullivan (captain), James Letts, Alfie Canning, Louie Bloom, Joe Knight and Shaun Avis. Substitutes: Daniel Keeble, Zachary Pedro, Jack Milne, Max Long and Teddy Johnson (all used).