HARWICH and Parkeston produced a storming display to win 4-0 at Dussindale and Hellesden, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The win keeps the Shrimpers in second place and keeps their goal difference level with that of Thurlow Nunn League first division north leaders Haverhill Rovers.

Harwich led by a single goal at half-time but hit top form in the second half to end runaway winners.

With three players who had captained the team this season unavailable, classy full-back Reece Harte took the armband.

Harwich made a good start, attacking from the kick off and took the lead after ten minutes with a super strike from Joe Knight, who from wide on the left flank, angled his shot into the far corner of the net.

On their artificial surface, Dussindale came back into the game, causing Harwich problems in midfield and also forcing Shrimpers keeper Brad Cook to do well to tip a dipping ball over the crossbar.

With half-time approaching, Harwich had a good opportunity when Louie Bloom's excellent cross played in Alfie Canning but his effort was blocked.

Dussy had been in contention in this half and just before the break mounted a dangerous attack with Shrimpers defender Dan Keeble managing to toe away a cross.

Early in the second half Dussindale goalkeeper Kingsley Barnes pulled off a fine save to stop Knight's goalbound header.

With 55 minutes gone, Harwich increased their lead with a route one move.

Central defender Jack Wood picked out Knight with an accurate long pass and he beat Barnes with a clinical finish.

Harwich had tightened up in midfield and were now controlling the game, although on a breakaway Cook was forced to save well.

As always, Bloom's work rate in leading the attack had been excellent and when his shot came off a defender, man-of-the match Knight pounced to complete a well-taken hat-trick.

Harwich manager Matt Carmichael and his assistants have assembled such a strong squad this season and he brought on five substitutes including striker Danny Garrad, who slotted home the fourth after Tyler Sullivan had teed up the opening.

There was just time for Cook thwart Dussy with his second outstanding save of the match, as the Shrimpers claimed victory.

On Saturday, Harwich entertain Holbeach United at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, kick-off 3pm.

The Shrimpers travel to Aveley next Tuesday to meet Hashtag, in the BBC Essex Senior Cup.