HARWICH and Parkeston's promotion hopes suffered a setback when they lost 2-0 to Norwich CBS at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The Shrimpers were unable to break through a well-organised Norwich CBS defence and eventually slipped to defeat.

Harwich came within inches of scoring in the third minute when skipper Gareth Heath's effort struck the crossbar.

Midway through the half, Alex Curran broke through the Shrimpers defence but goalkeeper Brad Cook did enough when he narrowed the angle to prevent the Norwich striker from scoring.

Alfie Canning then went close for Harwich with a header and with half-time approaching, it seemed they must score but Norwich keeper Alex Curl pulled off a great save from Jamie Eades shot by diving to claw the ball back from the goal line.

Harwich attacked from the start of the second half, mounting a move that featured Heath and Canning which sent Luke Mayhew away but his cleverly-flighted cross proved too good for both defenders and attackers.

Norwich were making sure that in defence they got back in numbers and when Harwich did manage shots on goal, they were thwarted by keeper Curl, who was in fine form.

Mayhew was proving Harwich main attacking threat and from his cross Dan Keeble headed over the crossbar.

With their pressure not producing results, Harwich pushed more players forward and now there was a danger that Norwich would snatch a goal from a breakaway.

So it was that from one such move, the visitors forced a corner and when the ball cannoned around the penalty area Kyle Richardson gave Norwich the lead.

Another smart Norwich break saw isolated goalkeeper Cook forced to advance but when he was beaten, full-back Harry Tuck did well to save the situation with a dramatic goal-line clearance.

In the closing minutes when Harwich were caught out again this time there was no last second cover and Bruno Tavares found himself with a clear run on goal.

He netted to seal a surprise victory for the delighted, hard-working Norwich team.

Harwich travel to Norfolk to meet Dussindale & Hellesden on Saturday while the under-23s entertain Lakenheath under-23s.

On Boxing Day, Harwich have an attractive key promotion fixture when they host Stanway Pegasus at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, kick-off 11am.