HARWICH and Parkeston continued their excellent recent form with a 2-1 triumph over play-off-chasing Halstead Town at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

Great credit for the Shrimpers' revival in Thurlow Nunn League first division south must go to manager Sean Tynan, assistant Gary Kioussis and coach Daryl Eagle.

They have tapped into the spirit and ability within the squad to lift the club from a struggling position to a potential mid-table finish.

The Shrimpers have always found Halstead tough opponents and this match was closely contested from the start.

Harwich took the lead midway through the first half when Town's defence was stretched by an attack down the right flank.

It forced their goalkeeper Jack Cherry to advance and from an acute angle, Jay Eggerichs' accurate lob bounced high into the empty net.

Speedy wide attacker Finley Caro was causing problems for the visitors' defence problems and after a tight first half Harwich held onto their advantage at the break.

Calvin Poku broke through the Harwich rearguard but goalkeeper Brad Cook was alert to the danger and punched the ball to safety.

Harwich gained the initiative now and increased their lead in the 65th minute with a spectacular full-length diving header from Ben Hammond.

With 15 minutes remaining Halstead won a penalty kick when Adam Hampson was fouled and Joe Thomas hammered his spot-kick into the centre of the net with Cook diving to the right.

Halstead tried for an equaliser but the Harwich defence stood firm while looking to snatch another goal.

Harwich have another derby match on Saturday when they travel to high-flying Wivenhoe, before visiting AFC Sudbury Reserves, next Tuesday.