HARWICH and Parkeston assistant manager Mike Wallace believes his in-form side are showing the hallmarks of a top Thurlow Nunn League side.

The Shrimpers made it an incredible nine first division south wins in a row after defeating Wivenhoe Town 2-0 on Saturday.

They are fourth in the table, with at least one game in hand on the trio above - Hashtag United, White Ensign and Halstead Town.

And they will hope to close the gap even further with a victory at Braintree Town Reserves on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

“It’s so pleasing that we’ve won all three of our Christmas fixtures,” said Wallace.

“We’ve also kept clean sheets in all three.

“Other results went our way and now we’re looking forward to an exciting and important January.

“If we can get through the next month with our winning run still going, we’ll be in a great position.

“That said, we’re keeping our feet on the ground for now.

“This month is going to be a key one for us and we have to stay focused, keep doing the right things and see where it takes us.”

Both goals came in the second half against Wivenhoe.

Jamie Beecham finished off a brilliant passing move to put the hosts ahead.

Tyler Rose then won a penalty, fouled after connecting with a great pass from Shaun Kioussis.

Skipper Jordan Heath stepped forward and confidently dispatched his side’s second.

“To be honest, the first half was pretty dire,” said Wallace.

“Wivenhoe had a gameplan and stuck to it.

“But (manager) Kieron (Shelley) gave the boys a bit of a rollicking at half-time and we started the second half well.

“We were all over them and it was during that period that we got our goals.

“Jamie’s goal was a quality team effort, following four or five quick passes.

“And Jordan’s penalty came after a great pass from Shaun to Tyler.

“He took it past the defender before being pulled down.

“The great thing about these boys is that they’re not giving up at the moment.

“Even after a bad 45 minutes, they produced a very good second half and ended up winning comfortably.

“They dug deep in a tricky fixture - one people probably us expected us to win, because of both sides’ recent form.

“However, I’d say it was hardest in our run of nine wins.

“Wivenhoe played well and put us under pressure and the first goal was crucial.”