HARWICH and Parkeston moved up to third in Thurlow Nunn League first division north following a 3-0 win at Leiston under-23s, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

After a narrow defeat at the hands of league leaders Fakenham, this was an important midweek fixture for the Shrimpers.

And Harwich made the start that they were looking for when after 15 minutes, Luke Mayhew's powerful shot gave them the lead.

The Shrimpers were on top but failed to build on their advantage and with 30 minutes gone Leiston came close to equalising with a shot that flashed across the goalmouth.

In the closing stages of the half, Harwich threatened to score again when Gareth Heath's pass picked out Alfie Canning whose shot skimmed a post and again when Mayhew's drive forced a good diving stop from goalkeeper Marcus Mehew.

At the start of the second half Mehew produced a great double save, firstly pushing out Canning's fierce shot and then stopping Mayhew's close range follow-up effort.

However Harwich were not to be denied and in the 60th minute scored a well-worked second goal when Liam White set up Mayhew, who neatly tucked the ball past the advancing Mehew.

Harwich had stepped up the pace and their ace goal getter Mayhew then had a chance to complete his hat-trick when a misplaced clearance fell to him but the Leiston defence did well to recover and block the danger.

White had been impressive on his return to the Shrimpers midfield and from Leo Carty's pass he deservedly scored their third goal to seal victory.