Although well on top during the second half, Tuesday evening's match proved a night when the Shrimpers just could not press home their advantage and, against the odds, a jubilant Basildon United snatched a last-minute winner.
Harwich had an early scoring opportunity when United goalkeeper Enos Duah was stranded out of goal but with defenders scurrying back to the goal line, Zac Pedro was unable steady his shot into the vacant net.
Having survived this moment, Basildon took the lead in the 15th minute when Alfie Osborne's shot was adjudged to have crossed the goal line before Shrimper Alfie Canning headed clear.
Keeper Brad Cook later pulled off a brilliant save pushing a fierce shot onto the crossbar to prevent United increasing their lead.
In the 40th minute, Basildon were reduced to 10 men when Osborne was shown a straight red card for violent conduct, but Basildon went in at the interval with a 1-0 lead that they deserved on the balance of play.

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Harwich came out after the break determined to capitalise on their numerical advantage and within 90 seconds equalised with an excellent goal. Pedro made a run down the wing, passing to Louie Bloom and from his flick-on, Joe Knight (pictured) finished in style. It was his fourth goal in his last three games.
From then on, Harwich surged forward but Basildon were well set up to defend and break away quickly.
Knight went close to scoring on several occasions and was also frustrated by good saves from Duah, who in addition made a super stop, touching away Charlie Canham's goalbound header.
The Shrimpers were unlucky when, with 10 minutes remaining, Liam White's shot hit the crossbar.
Then in the final minute, Lade Okunobi broke clear to score Basildon's winning goal with a cracking shot.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Tom Watkins, Charlie Canham, Jack Wood, Tiwa Odufuye, Liam White, Alfie Canning, Louie Bloom, Jack Milne, Zachary Pedro and Joe Knight. Substitutes: Cody Harrison, Reuben Keeys (both used), Oakley McNair, Jerimiah Ajisafe and Luke Hopwood (not used).