HARWICH and Parkeston's promotion dream ended when they were beaten 4-0 at Downham Town in their Thurlow Nunn League first division north play-off final, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

In the glorious springtime sunshine, a crowd of 347 were in holiday mood to witness the match, including a strong contingent of Harwich supporters who had made the trip into North Norfolk.

The Shrimpers forced an early corner but in the crowded goalmouth, Ben Hammond was unable to get a clear shot in.

It had been an even start but then out of the blue Matthew Prudence fired in a wonderful 25-yard drive that dipped under the crossbar to give Downham a 14th-minute lead.

Harwich tried to make a quick comeback by mounting a good move which ended with Dan Keeble heading over the crossbar whilst Downham also had a chance following a corner.

The Shrimpers defence was caught out by a through ball in the 30th minute.

Goalkeeper Brad Cook advanced but with no cover, it was a simple task for the oncoming attacker to steer the ball into an unguarded net for Downham's second.

The Harwich squad had been depleted in the last three matches and the Shrimpers suffered a further blow when Harry Tuck was forced to come off.

With Luke Mayhew on the bench but hampered by injury and destined to play no part in the match, manager Sean Tynan's options were limited.

Skipper Gareth Heath was influential in the Shrimpers midfield and together with Brandon Rusby, made every effort to get his team back into the match.

But with Harwich going in two goals down at half-time, it was vital for them to score next.

It was not to be for the Shrimpers and with a lot of spectators still making their way back after the break, Downham hammered home a third.

There was no denying that Town, who finished second in the league table and ten points above Harwich, were the better team and Chris Stratton did well to prevent them scoring again with a goal-line clearance.

Harwich still tried to comeback and Jordan Heath created an opening but Keeble's shot went past the post.

In the very last seconds, Downham scored their fourth goal and went on to deservedly celebrate with their promotion trophy.

Harwich manager Sean Tynan was delighted with his players' efforts over the season.

He expressed his determination, together with assistant Gary Kioussis and coach Daryl Eagle, to take that one step further in the next campaign and win promotion.