HARWICH and Parkeston are preparing for a gruelling run of fixtures against three of the Essex and Suffolk Border League’s heavyweights.

The Shrimpers face a tough few weeks, with tomorrow’s trip to Holland FC being followed by matches against West Bergholt and Little Oakley.

Harwich are sixth from bottom in the premier division, with just one win – on the opening day – from their opening five games.

Chairman Tony Armstrong admits the fixture list has been “extremely cruel”.

However, he believes his side are moving in the right direction.

“We always knew it was going to be struggle and our fixtures in the first couple of months have been extremely cruel,” said Armstrong.

“The league’s going to be a four-horse race again and, having just played Gas Rec, we’ve now got back-to-back games against Holland, Bergholt and Oakley.

“It couldn’t be any tougher, but we’ve just got to keep working hard, get through this run of matches and any points we pick up will be a bonus.

“The players are certainly up for the challenge.”

Harwich, promoted from division one last season, started their season with a 4-0 victory against Earls Colne.

They then lost three in a row but stopped the rot with a 2-2 draw at home to Barnston AFC last Saturday.

“It’s going as we anticipated at the moment,” said Armstrong.

“The players are learning in every game and they’re a good bunch of boys who want to improve.

“If they continue to show the same levels of enthusiasm, the team will get better and better.

“That’s what we’re striving for and if we can stay up and consolidate, I’m optimistic we’ll keep moving in the right direction.”