Harwich started well and in the first 10 minutes West Essex goalkeeper Charlie Mann twice pulled off really good saves to rescue his team.
First Zac Pedro cut in and from his cross Tiwa Odufuye's header was turned over the crossbar by Mann. Next, Harwich won a free kick just outside the penalty area and when Shaun Avis' goalbound shot was deflected, Mann recovered his position to again push the ball over the bar at the expense of another corner kick.
With 34 minutes gone, Harwich took the lead with a well-worked goal when Pedro's corner was headed home at the far post by Louie Bloom (pictured).
Harwich had to be satisfied with their one-goal interval lead but after the break were made to work hard by a determined West Essex team.
Goalkeeper Cook was making a dive across his goal-line, with the outcome uncertain, when a timely block by a Shrimpers defender prevented the ball reaching its destination.

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Harwich's best attack of this half came when Alfie Canning made a penetrating run but good defending by the visitors saw his shot diverted into the side netting.
West Essex were pressing Harwich hard now and from a series of corner kicks, Cook, together with the Shrimpers central defenders Joe Knight and Jack Wood, did well to clear their lines.
In the 90th minute, West Essex came close to snatching a last-gasp draw but Cook made a super diving stop low at the foot of the post to ensure victory for Harwich.
The win means the Shrimpers have now won four of their last five Essex Senior League games and sit 11th in the table. That run sets them up nicely for their next fixture - the much-anticipated meeting with local rivals Little Oakley on December 27.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Tom Watkins, Joe Knight, Jack Wood, Reece Harte, Tyler Sullivan, Alfie Canning, Louie Bloom, Zachary Pedro, Tiwa Odufuye and Shaun Avis. Substitutes: Gareth Heath and Liam White (both used) Alfie Eldridge, Charlie Canham and John Watkins (not used).