HARWICH and Parkeston went on a scoring spree with a 6-1 victory over Haverhill Rovers to celebrate the club's 125th anniversary of playing at the Royal Oak in style, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

Before the Thurlow Nunn League first division north match, a large gathering of past players and supporters met in the Social Club.

They enjoyed former stars Ian Brown and Matt Carmichael taking the podium, in a question and answer session.

On a glorious afternoon, the match attracted a crowd of 322, with Harwich getting on top in the first 15 minutes.

The Shrimpers took the lead when the impressive Harry Miller flicked the ball on for Luke Mayhew to turn the visiting defence inside out before powering in a shot from the edge of the penalty area which left goalkeeper Adam Messsaoudin with no chance.

Rovers did have one opportunity following an error by the home defence but were unable to profit.

Although Harwich dominated, they went in at the break with only a slender 1-0 lead.

However they were soon on target in the second half with youngster Alfie Canning blasting home their second goal from 12 yards.

This signalled a goal rush and by the 60th minute, Harwich had established a 4-0 lead.

Goal number three came when Mayhew's crossed was helped into the net by a defender.

Harwich were now full of confidence, playing an attractive passing game, so it was no surprise when substitute Elliot Johnson's accurate cross saw Harry Miller score a deserved goal.

Matt Geen had also come off the bench to join the attack and he broke through to make the scoreline 5-0 with an excellent finish.

The Shrimpers' final goal was beautifully worked with Johnson playing a defence-splitting pass for Mayhew to ghost in and complete his hat-trick.

There was just time left for Ryan Twinn to score a consolation goal for Rovers and at the final whistle, Harwich were applauded off by their appreciative supporters.

It had been a great occasion off the field with so many old friends bonding together to share happy memories of their playing days with the Shrimpers and on the field a resounding victory for the present players.