Harwich and Parkeston beat Swaffham Town to go fifth

The match was 11 minutes old when Harwich came within inches of scoring.

Liam White worked his way into a one-on-one position but Town goalkeeper Ryan Hemmings did well to save a fierce shot with his feet at the expense of a corner.

Gareth Heath's dangerous free-kick just eluded striker Danny Garrad before the Shrimpers went ahead when Mitchell Knight's looping header was too good for Hemmings and nestled in the far corner of the net, from Heath's corner.

Swaffham had a chance two minutes later but on this occasion, the header cleared the crossbar.

Harwich had one more opportunity to increase their lead before half-time but Hemmings got down well to save Harry Miller's shot.

The Shrimpers started the second half well and Heath's free-kick was headed over by Knight.

At the other end, Harwich goalkeeper Brad Cook made a brave save, sustaining an injury in a race for the ball which required attention.

Both keepers were then in action, having to tip goalbound shots over the crossbar.

Swaffham came back strongly into contention and with 70 minutes gone, Knight had to save Harwich with a goal-line clearance.

Harwich were having to be strong in defence but Swaffham were reduced to ten men when Keenan Hall took out Garrad and was sent off.

With four minutes of normal time remaining, Harwich mounted their best move.

Garrad's long diagonal pass had Town's defence in trouble; Alfie Canning laid the ball off for Heath to square neatly for Jamie Eades to score.

Seven minutes of added time were played and in the final seconds, Brandon Rusby won a tackle before passing to new signing from Stanway Rovers striker Ben Sargeant.

Sargeant set up Garrad and he finished strongly with a shot inside the post to seal his side's victory.

Harwich travel to meet Diss Town tomorrow (Saturday) whilst the under-23 entertain Woodbridge Town under-23s at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak, kick-off 3pm.

Harwich host Needham Market under-23s next Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.