There was a good crowd of 265 spectators to support the celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of Harwich & Parkeston's formation and the current team were determined not to let their supporters down.
Harwich started brightly and in the 10th minute Louie Bloom had a shot that went just wide. Ten minutes later the Shrimpers created another chance when a long pass from Gareth Heath (pictured) was headed narrowly wide by Shaun Avis.
SOUL Tower Hamlets came more into the game, having a shot that went just over the crossbar, but the Shrimpers' back four defended well.
In the 25th minute Harwich created their best scoring opportunity when full back Reece Harte played the ball down the touchline to Alfie Canning who set up Alfie Eldridge with a golden chance but his header was off target.
Harwich had looked comfortable for the first half hour and looked the more dangerous team. Then in the 32nd minute a loose header back caused a misunderstanding and the alert Samir Bihtmoutine pounced on the indecision to tap-in and give SOUL the lead.
Harwich were temporarily shaken by this set-back and a misplaced pass presented SOUL with another gift but thankfully the chance was not taken.

Photo gallery: Match action and 150th anniversary events!

The Shrimpers then recovered their composure and were well in contention at the half-time break.
Central defender Scott Doe, who had played over 200 league games in the English Football League for Dagenham, was commanding for SOUL and when he came forward to join the attack, Shrimpers goalkeeper Brad Cook pulled off a super save to turn his pile-driver shot over the crossbar.
SOUL were proving to be formidable opponents, who were physically strong and played good football, but the Shrimpers were up for the challenge and still matching them.
With 75 minutes gone SOUL broke through and looked certain to score their second goal but central defender Teddy Johnson made a great last-ditch tackle at the expense of a corner kick.
The visitors went close with a header but Harwich still sensed the opportunity of capturing a point and forced a serries of corner kicks.
Unlike the first half, the Shrimpers could not create a clear-cut scoring chance. In the last minute they made one more attempt to break through but from 30 yards out, substitute Oakley McNair leant back to fire his shot over the crossbar.
SOUL Tower Hamlets celebrated their hard-won victory at the final whistle, knowing that the three points had put them back on top of the league table. So many pluses for Harwich though.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Tom Watkins, Reece Harte, Teddy Johnson, Freddy Cooper, Gareth Heath, Alfie Eldridge, Zac Pedro, Alfie Canning, Louie Bloom and Shaun Avis. Substitutes: Liam White, Tiwa Odufuye, Oakley McNair (all used), Jack Wood and Charlie Canham (not used).