HARWICH and Parkeston's play-off hopes suffered a blow after they lost 3-1 at home to Whitton United, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The Shrimpers surprisingly lost the Thurlow Nunn League first division north match, in front of a good Bank Holiday crowd at the Gwinnell and Sons Royal Oak.

The defeat means that Harwich's play-off chances are not in their own hands and they need to win their four remaining fixtures and hope others slip up.

Harwich made a dream start with a super goal scored in the third minute.

Skipper Gareth Heath and Brandon Rusby combined to play the ball through to Luke Mayhew and he made space before curling his shot into the top corner.

Whitton then had two good chances with shots that went just wide but Harwich came back and had the opportunity to double their lead when Heath's pass found Alfie Canning and he set up Mayhew but this time the Shrimpers' leading scorer put his shot over the crossbar.

In the 30th minute, Whitton scored the equaliser when Ben Stannard's shot eluded Shrimpers keeper Brad Cook and went into the bottom corner.

Within another two minutes, United turned the match around when Cook pushed out a well-struck shot only for the oncoming Max Tate to fire the ball past him.

Harwich had further chances before half-time with Heath shooting over and Danny Garrad unlucky to see his header strike a post, from Canning's cross.

In the 55th minute, Canning's good effort hit the crossbar but Harwich were struggling to find their form against a United team who were battling hard and looked much better than their lowly position in the league suggested.

Canning did well again when he robbed the goalkeeper but when the ball ran loose, Harwich were unable to capitalise.

As the half progressed, Harwich were desperately trying to get back on terms.

Heath crossed a dangerous free-kick but the on-rushing Jack Wood was just unable to connect and then when Ben Sargeant broke through a defender, diverted his shot away at the expense of a corner.

Heath's well-taken free-kick flew inches wide and late on, Mayhew was through on goal but his shot went the wrong side of a post.

In the very last minute, 17-year-old Murray Lewis sealed Whitton's victory when his shot rocketed into the net.

Harwich host Cornard United on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) at the Royal Oak.

The Shrimpers under-23s are still in with a chance in their Championship race and visit Lakenheath.