HARWICH and Parkeston fell to a 4-1 defeat at high-flying Halstead Town following an entertaining affair, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The Shrimpers fell to defeat in an end-to-end Thurlow Nunn League first division south contest, in front off a crowd of 310.

Harwich goalkeeper Brad Cook suffered an eye injury in a goalmouth melee which required lengthy treatment, in the early stages.

And in the 12th minute despite winning a race to the ball, the Shrimpers keeper completely missed his kick leaving Jordan Blackwell to shoot into an empty net for Halstead's first goal.

Despite this setback Harwich fought back to equalise in the 29th minute when Town's keeper Jack Cherry dived to push out Franky Selwyn's fierce shot and Jamie Eades followed up to net.

But three minutes later, Halstead were back in front when hesitancy allowed former Shrimper Adam Hampson to nip in for another goal into an empty net.

Cook saved a certain goal with an excellent block whilst for the Shrimpers, Eades went close when he tried to flick the ball past Cherry.

Halstead increased their lead in the 55th minute when Callum Tracey's powerful header gave Cook no chance.

Battling hard, Harwich were still in the game and were unfortunate when Eades' goalbound header struck one of his own players.

Despite the scoreline and gap in the league positions, it was a far from comfortable victory for Halstead until in the 78th minute, Jake Brown scored Town's fourth goal with a header to put the result beyond doubt.

Harwich's first team have no game this weekend but the reserves entertain Cavendish at the Royal Oak, kick off 2pm.