HARWICH and Parkeston ran out 3-1 winners over Brimsdown at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

This was an important victory for the Shrimpers, boosting their immediate objective to steer clear of the foot of the Thurlow Nunn League first division south table.

It gives them an eight-point advantage over second from bottom Brimsdown.

Harwich attacked first but Brimsdown broke away forcing goalkeeper Brad Cook to come out and Jake Kioussis saved the Shrimpers with a goal-line clearance.

Harwich took the lead in the 15th minute when Matt Geen crossed and Jamie Eades finished well, shooting into the corner of the net.

Striker Eades' sharpness in front of goal is proving the ingredient that Harwich had been missing and he netted the second goal when he volleyed home Franky Selwyn's cross from six yards.

Brimsdown's keeper had suffered concussion in a goalmouth melee and had to be substituted at half-time.

It had been a good first half for Harwich but after the break they lost their momentum and had to work hard.

In the closing stages Brimsdown won a corner and in the crowded goalmouth Jordan Caicedo reduced the arrears.

It could have been a nervy finish but Harwich mounted an immediate response with substitute Jay Eggerichs heading their third goal into the roof of the net to take the pressure off.

Harwich travel to meet third-placed Halstead Town on Saturday, whilst the Reserves entertain Cressing United, kick-off 2pm.