HOLLAND FC manager Paul Phelan admitted being proud but "slightly deflated" after his side were held to a 1-1 draw at Harwich and Parkeston.

The Tendring rivals met in a Thurlow Nunn League first division south derby at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak on Tuesday night.

Both goals came in the second half, with Bailey Barnard's exquisite finish putting Holland ahead.

Dan Clark then turned home a corner at the near post to make it all-square.

Earlier, Shrimpers keeper Sam Felgate, who went on to make several important saves, dived to keep out a penalty by Louie Newland.

"There's no doubt we should have won," said Phelan.

"My first priority is always to avoid defeat, so in that sense we ticked a box.

"But I felt slightly deflated afterwards because we definitely deserved more than a point.

"Their goalkeeper was man-of-the-match and that speaks volumes for our performance.

"The boys came off knowing they should have won.

"We had enough chances and it was a silly goal to concede.

"Nevertheless, I was still proud of the lads and their workrate was brilliant.

"The things we worked so hard on in pre-season are paying off and we completely contained Harwich."

Tuesday's positive performance came hot on the heels of a brilliant 2-1 victory against last season's runners-up, Coggeshall United, on Saturday.

Steve Eaton scored both goals at the W&S Scaffolding Community Stadium.

"It's been a bright start overall and we know that if we can go away from home and pick up points, we'll do well," added Phelan.

"Both of the teams we've played haven't played as much football as I expected.

"Our strength is definitely getting the ball down and keeping it moving.

"That's what I'm endeavouring to get out of the players in every game.

"Now we've got a hard match at home to Wormley Rovers on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), given that they put five past Halstead on Saturday."

Holland are waiting on the availability of Frankie Selwyn, who failed a fitness test prior to Tuesday's match.