A DEPLETED Harwich and Parkeston lost 4-0 at AFC Sudbury Reserves in their latest Thurlow Nunn League first division south match, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

Unavailability and injuries meant that the Shrimpers had to reshuffle their line-up and were unable to match a very good Sudbury team.

Harwich fell behind after only nine minutes when their defensive wall managed to block a free-kick taken from the edge of the penalty area but a shot then rocketed into the corner of the net.

Shrimpers keeper Brad Cook prevented his side conceding again with diving save and the visitors had chances to equalise.

Finley Caro went close with an angled shot and Jamie Eades caught the keeper out of goal, only to see his shot headed off the goal line.

A free header in the 40th minute allowed Sudbury to increase their lead but Harwich came close again when a Shaun Kioussis free-kick went inches wide.

On the artificial G4 pitch, Sudbury were out-smarting Harwich, finding acres of space down the flanks.

And within a few minutes of the second half, another headed goal made it 3-0.

The hosts' fourth goal emphasised the gap in the sides on the night.

Goalkeeper Cook was the best player for Harwich and he made a fine diving save from a penalty kick to prevent a further goal.