Awaiting some players held up in traffic congestion, Harwich had to re-arrange their starting line-up.
The Shrimpers created a chance in the 13th minute when Gareth Heath's pin-point corner kick was headed just wide by Charlie Canham.
Seven minutes later, Iford took the lead when Shaike Kamara pounced on a defensive mistake and set up Daniel Izekor, who netted with a clinical finish.
For Harwich, Louie Bloom (pictured) did well to win the ball but then when he had worked his way into a one-on-one position with Wilkinson Boatang, in trying to place his shot he failed to get any power into his effort and the goalkeeper saved comfortably.
Greg Akpele for Ilford fired a fierce shot over the crossbar and Tiwa Odufuye, playing on the the left flank for Harwich, had a shot on the run which was also just over the bar.
Ilford enjoyed the better of the first half with the speedy pairing of Kamara and Izekor causing Harwich problems.
Soon after the restart, Ilford were rewarded with a second goal by Izekor.

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Within a few more minutes, Harwich began their revival with a good move, Odufuye finding Bloom who reduced the arrears with a cool finish.
The tide was turning now for the Shrimpers and a dangerous tackle then saw Ilford reduced to 10 men by a straight red card.
With 25 minutes remaining, Harwich equalised with their second smart goal, Jack Wood's quick-thinking throw- in to Bloom seeing the Shrimpers striker score again, this time at the near post, turning cleverly to beat Boatang.
Harwich had the advantage now with Ted Johnson heading inches wide from Alfie Canning's cross and a well-taken corner by Tyler Sullivan eluding his colleagues.
Ilford were still dangerous on quick breaks and both sides could have claimed victory in the closing stages but had to be satisfied with a draw.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Tom Watkins, Charlie Canham, Freddy Cooper, Jack Wood, Tyler Sullivan, Alfie Eldridge, Gareth Heath, Tiwa Odufuye, Luke Mayhew and Louie Bloom. Substitutes: Ted Johnson, Shaun Avis, Zachary Pedro, Alfie Canning and James Letts (all used).