A LATE goal denied Harwich and Parkeston victory after they drew 2-2 at Whittlesey Athletic, writes COLIN ROGERS.

Although the Shrimpers created far more scoring chances than Whittlesey, a goal by the home side in the 90th minute meant the visitors had to settle for a point in their latest Thurlow Nunn League first division north game.

On an open pitch with a blustery wind blowing, Harwich enjoyed the best of the first half.

With 20 minutes gone, Harwich had the first of their many scoring opportunities when Luke Mayhew's well-taken shot was well saved by goalkeeper Danny Fowler.

Five minutes later, Alfie Canning's shot saw Fowler in action again, this time getting down well to save.

With half an hour gone Harwich deservedly took the lead with a good individual goal.

Gareth Heath's pass found Canning who created space for himself, before running through to tuck his shot neatly into the bottom corner of the net.

Two minutes later Mitchell Knight put Liam White through but in a one on one situation with Fowler his shot went over.

With half-time approaching, Canning linked up with Danny Garrad but from the opening created, Fowler tipped Mayhew's shot around the post.

Whittlesey played direct football with their best threat coming from set pieces and with three minutes of the half remaining, against the run of play, they equalised when Daniel Redhead headed home from a corner.

Garrad fired wide following a move involving White, Canning and Heath, as the sides went in level at the break.

The pattern continued with Harwich attacking and within a minute of the start of the second half Garrad fired straight at the goalkeeper.

When Whittlesey had a long shot go wide, the Shrimpers came back quickly with White setting up Mayhew but his shot was too close to Fowler. With 65 minutes gone Garrad flicked the ball to Mayhew and this time Fowler was forced to make a top class save by pushing the Shrimpers top scorers shot out at the expense of a corner, Five minutes later Harwich were rewarded with their second goal when Heath sent Canning away and again the youngster scored with an excellent finish, placing his shot wide of Fowler.

In the 75th minute Harwich substitute Shaun Kioussis saw his goal bound free kick pushed out for a corner.. White fired over when well placed but with 5 minutes of normal time remaining he was unlucky when his shot struck the post.

Then in the 90th minute Alfie Rogers grabbed an equaliser with a header from a cross for Whittlesey and in added time they came close to an unlikely winner when Shrimpers full back Reece Harte was forced to clear off the line in what was his 100 appearance for the Club.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Harwich last first team game of the season takes place when they entertain Parson Drove at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, kick off 3pm whilst the Under 23 team travel to met Hadleigh United.