by TERRY FRANCIS

WHITE ENSIGN 0

HARWICH AND PARKESTON 4

Thurlow Nunn League division one south

HARWICH produced a stunning first-half performance as they blew league leaders White Ensign away to take a 3-0 lead.

White Ensign attacked in the first minute but Harwich full-back Harry Johnston cleared the ball to the halfway line, to the waiting Jordan Heath.

He raced forward and evaded goalkeeper Tim Pitman, who had come well out of his area.

It seemed Heath had too difficult an angle but, with the home defenders scurrying back, he coolly placed the ball into the net for one of the best goals of the season.

The Shrimpers were buoyed by this and, in the 25th minute, Heath was fouled and twin brother Ryan tucked the resultant penalty kick away to make it 2-0.

Four minutes later, the home defence again found Jordan Heath's skill too much and this time he took the penalty kick himself, placing his shot into the corner of the net for the Shrimpers' third goal.

Harwich had played some quality football and, in the 40th minute, White Ensign were in deeper trouble when a second yellow card for Dom Locke reduced them to ten men.

After the break, White Ensign made a determined effort to get back in contention, using long throws into the penalty area from both sides of the pitch.

However, Harwich's defence was well organised to deal with this danger. Harwich went back on the attack with a penetrating run by Brad Westley.

Tyler Rose's cross fizzed into the goalmouth but Jordan Heath was just unable to reach it.

At the other end, keeper Sam Felgate pulled off a good save from John Helyard and then Jack Mulery prevented Harwich scoring with a block on the goalline.

In the second half, Harwich had maintained their grip of the game and they were rewarded for their excellent showing in the closing minutes when Rose crossed for Callum Griffith to hammer in the fourth goal.

The reserves were narrowly defeated by second-placed Tiptree Engaine Reserves 3-2, with Olly Lawrence and Tom Humphries getting their goals.

On Saturday, the first team entertain near neighbours Wivenhoe Town at the Royal Oak (kick-off 3pm).