HARWICH and Parkeston's unbeaten run was ended after they lost 4-1 at home to Downham Town, at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The Shrimpers' proud run, which started in October, was halted by a very impressive Downham side who look strong challengers for the Thurlow Nunn League first division north automatic promotion place.

Downham were quick out of the blocks, putting Harwich under pressure from the off.

Only eight minutes had passed when Joe Jackson got goalside of his marker to put Downham in the lead with a cool finish.

Harwich came back but found the Downham defence difficult to penetrate whereas the Shrimpers defence were not at their best and Jackson scored again to put his team firmly in the driving seat at the break.

The second half continued with Downham showing no weakness in their line-up and Harwich were struggling to make an impact in attack.

Harwich could well have gone further in arrears when Downham again sneaked in behind the home defence, forcing goalkeeper Brad Cook to advance but the ball was scrambled to safety.

Midway through the half Harwich began to look more dangerous with Gareth Heath firing in a 30-yard shot which goalkeeper Duncan McAnally tipped over the crossbar.

Harwich had livened up with the introduction of Matt Geen and now had their best period of the match.

Midfielder Alfie Smith's shot produced strong appeals for handball in the goalmouth but in the meantime, the alert Geen pounced to reduce the arrears.

Harwich have staged some exciting comebacks this season and their hopes of another were now raised.

However it was not to be this time and within a few minutes, in pressing forward, they left themselves wide open in defence.

It was a fatal mistake against someone of man of the match Jackson's calibre, as he completed his hat-trick with another clinical finish.

Harwich were still reeling after seeing their hopes dashed and Jackson scored his fourth goal with a header.

Harwich remain third in the league but Downham, jubilant with their victory, are now in fourth spot, only two points behind the Shrimpers and with three games in hand.

On Saturday, Harwich travel to Debenham, who are now making a strong effort to get clear of the relegation zone.

The Shrimpers know that they must concentrate on their goal of remaining in the play-off places.

Harwich host Basildon Town in the Thurlow Nunn League Cup fourth round at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak next Tuesday January 17) , kick-off 7.45pm.