HARWICH and Parkeston thrashed Dunmow Town 4-1 in their Thurlow Nunn League Challenge Cup clash at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The Shrimpers won through to the next round with an impressive victory over high-flying opponents, who are currently third place in first division south.

Harwich opened the scoring in the tenth minute with a move started from defence when Mitchell Knight knocked a pass over the top of the Dunmow rearguard for Liam White to send Jamie Beecham on a run and he produced a perfect finish.

In a whirlwind start, the Shrimpers scored their second goal when following some good build-up play started by skipper Gareth Heath, Alfie Canning crossed the ball to White who brought it under control before smashing it into the net from 20 yards.

Dunmow replied with 20 minutes gone with a well-taken goal from Arminas Cricius.

However, Harwich remained on top and came within inches scoring again with Heath's clever chip shot and later when the visitors goalkeeper Hayden White pulled off a brilliant stop from White.

The Shrimpers needed a third goal to prevent any comeback from Dunmow and it came midway through the second half.

Following a series of corners expertly taken by Heath, Dan Keeble hammered the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

There was time for a fairytale debut for substitute Ewan Livingston, who caught the eye of boss Sean Tynan while playing for the Shrimpers under-18 team.

The youngster was brought down in the penalty area and calmly got up to convert the resultant penalty, before celebrating in front of a large band of his school friends supporting him at the Main Road Stand end of the ground.

Harwich are away in a local derby against Wivenhoe Town on Saturday and then next Wednesday visit Great Wakering to meet White Ensign, in the Essex Senior Cup.