In attack, Harwich were without the influential Jake Gordon (business commitments abroad) and Joe Knight (suspended). Conversely, there was also another difficult selection for the Harwich management team as they were able to welcome back from injury experienced central defenders Lewis Wood and Charlie Canham, but this meant youngster Oakley McNair, who had performed well in their absence, moving to the bench.
Harwich's first chance, and perhaps their best, came when Louie Bloom broke through for a one-on-one scoring opportunity but goalkeeper Matas Skorobogatovas pulled off a brilliant block with his legs to save his team.
Saffron Walden also came close with a header that went just over the crossbar but in attack the Shrimpers were thwarted again when Josh Hawkins' good approach play ended with Alfie Eldridge's shot forcing another great block, this time by a defender on the goal-line.
Then, in the last seconds of the first half, Saffron Walden took the lead when, from a corner kick, Jordan Gent, who was dominant in the air throughout, netted with an excellent header.

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Skorobogatovas, whom Saffron Walden signed from Step 3 Brentwood Town, was impressive with his handling, and he made another good stop at the foot of the post from Rory Harman's shot.
During the second half, Harwich's approach work was still good and substitute Liam White fired in a dangerous free kick which went begging.
There was a scare for Harwich when Omari Obwoya lost the ball in midfield but he then did exceptionally well to get back and redeem himself with a tackle when Saffron Walden looked certain to score a second goal.
In defence, Harwich were solid, with full-back Jeremiah Ajisafe (pictured) particularly impressive and when Saffron Walden did pounce on a misplaced clearance, he rescued the situation at the expense of a corner kick.
A draw would have been a fair refection of play but, frustratingly for Harwich, time ran out with nothing to show for their efforts.
Harwich team: Will Healy, Rory Harman, Lewis Wood, Charlie Canham, Jeremiah Ajisafe, Jenson Goode, Alfie Canning, Alfie Eldridge, Josh Hawkins, Louie Bloom and Omari Obwoya. Used substitutes: Liam White, Tiwa Odufuye, Tyler Sullivan.