HARWICH and Parkeston ran out 2-0 winners over neighbours Little Oakley in the Presidents Memorial Cup, writes COLIN ROGERS.

The Shrimpers won the annual match at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, held to honour of each club’s presidents, Norman Mann and Tim Gooch.

The match is hosted alternately by the two clubs and this year it was Harwich’s turn, with the event attracting a bumper crowd of almost 400.

The first 15 minutes were evenly contested but then Harwich forced a corner taken by Jamie Beecham, which saw Acorns goalkeeper Bill Lawler get down well to save Tyler Sullivan’s header.

In another Harwich attack, Elliot Johnson played Beecham in but again Lawler did well coming out to narrow the angle and then make a point-blank save.

Little Oakley came back and Lewis Wood flashed a header just wide, from a corner.

Shrimpers goalkeeper Brad Cook then proved his worth by tipping Mason Lumley’s goalbound shot over the crossbar.

Half-time arrived with the match still goal-less but Harwich started the second half on the front foot.

They took the lead in the 55th minute with a well-worked goal.

Liam White played a one-two with Johnson before squaring the ball for Joe Knight to net with a well-taken finish, from ten yards.

White created a golden opportunity but Beecham was unable to get the necessary power into his shot.

The Acorns forced two corners but the Shrimpers’ rearguard was alert to the danger and defended well.

Lawler was in fine form in the Acorns’ goal, making another excellent save from substitute Jay Eggerichs.

With ten minutes remaining Harwich made sure of victory when Eggerichs fired in a fierce drive, after substitute Harvey Smith had cut the ball neatly into his path.

The Mann family presented mementos to both teams and the cup to Harwich captain Alfie Smith.

The match sponsors JBC Paving presented their man of the match award to Liam White.

Teams, supporters and helpers helped match proceeds raise £1,255, to be donated equally to the charities Diabetes UK and the Salvation Army, Harwich.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Harwich entertain FC Clacton in the Kevin Beattie Foundation Cup at the Gwinnell and Sons Royal Oak, kick-off 4pm.

Prior to this match, the under-23 team will play FC Clacton Reserves also on the Royal Oak, kick-off 1pm.

On Tuesday evening (July 18), Harwich entertain Brantham Athletic in a friendly, kick-off 7.45pm.