HARWICH and Parkeston lost 2-1 to Cornard United in a fiercely competitive Thurlow Nunn League first division north match decided by a late goal, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The game remained on a knife-edge until the final whistle, consolidating Cornard's charge for a play-off spot.

The match kicked off with Harwich's Joe Knight narrowly missing an open goal within the first two minutes, followed by a close attempt from Luke Mayhew.

As the match progressed, both teams battled aggressively but the first half ended without any goals despite close attempts from Harwich's Danny Garrad and Liam White.

Cornard United took the lead 60 minutes into the game, thanks to a fantastic goal from Lewis Soraf.

Soraf's 20-yard shot rocketed past Shrimpers' goalkeeper Brad Cook.

Despite the setback, Harwich didn't back down and responded with some impressive play, Canning's deft through pass was seized upon by White whose angled shot flashed just wide of the far post.

Harwich's persistence was rewarded in the 75th minute when a freekick from Canning was flicked on by Knight, setting up Dan Keeble to net the equaliser.

A chance for Harwich to lead was foiled as Tyler Sullivan's snappy shot zipped over the crossbar.

Cornard’s winning goal came late in the game when substitute Luke Wilson seized an wayward clearance and powered his shot past the goalkeeper.

In spite of a robust push in the added time, Harwich couldn’t level the score and Cornard secured the crucial three points bringing them closer to the play-offs.

On Saturday, Harwich travel to meet Whittlesey. 

It is proving an exciting season in the Thurlow Nunn under-23 league for the Shrimpers.

With five games of the season remaining they are in second place, two points behind the leaders, and entertain Lakenheath at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, kick-off 3pm.