HARWICH and Parkeston Football Club have merged with Dovercourt Vipers.

The sides are joining forces with immediate effect and the deal was rubber-stamped at a meeting on Tuesday night.

The partnership is seen as mutually beneficial for both clubs and is being hailed as something that will safeguard the long-term future of the Shrimpers.

Vipers, a youth outfit with around 100 players, will be able to offer their youngsters a clear pathway into men’s football.

And Harwich, without a youth section of their own, will now hope to benefit by introducing up-and-coming players into their senior set-up.

For the full story and reaction from both clubs, see today's Standard.