HARWICH and Parkeston won 3-0 at Holbeach United to move to the top of Thurlow Nunn League first division north, writes COLIN ROGERS.

A Danny Garrad hat-trick helped the Shrimpers seal victory, despite a dismissal meaning that they had to play for 52 minutes with ten men again a Holbeach team who had been level points with them in the table.

Harwich arrived after the long journey into Lincolnshire to find the Holbeach pitch wet but in excellent condition.

There was a scrappy 15 minute start to the match but the teams settled down and Harwich first chance came when Idreess Namisi combined with Alfie Canning in a good move that culminated with Alfie Smith's shot going just wide.

Five minutes later, Holbeach had a chance with a close range shot that went inches past the post.

The Shrimpers took the lead in the 23rd minute when Namisi played a one two with Canning, threading the ball through to Garrad who cleverly netted with a chip over the head of goalkeeper Josh Simpson.

In the 30th minute, Harwich goalkeeper Brad Cook made a fine save, keeping out an inswinging Holbeach corner that was goalbound.

The Shrimpers suffered a blow in the 38th minute when the referee made a confusing decision which resulted in Jack Wood finally receiving a second yellow card and a harsh sending off.

Despite this setback, Harwich increased their lead two minutes later when a long ball into the Holbeach half was flicked on by Dan Keeble and fell to Garrad who fired home.

Holbeach started the second half on the front foot and in the 50th minute they had the ball in the Shrimpers net but after a consultation with the assistant referee the goal was correctly disallowed for handball.

A couple of minutes later Harwich made it 3-0 when, from Canning's excellent through ball, Danny Garrad lobbed the keeper with a shot from 35 yards for a superb finish that completed his well-taken hat-trick.

Harwich teenagers Canning and Namisi combined again but from the shot Simpson saved well at the near post.

Holbeach pressed hard in an effort to get back into the game but the Harwich defence was in excellent form with goalkeeper Cook's handling exceptional throughout the match.

Harwich had a couple more half chances, with Garrad and substitute Ewan Livingston having shots go just too high.

At the final whistle, Harwich were grateful for the applause of a jubilant band of their supporters who had also made the long trip.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Harwich are at home in a top of the table clash with Framlingham Town at the Gwinnell and Sons Royal Oak, kick-off 3pm.

Then on Tuesday (3rd September), the Shrimpers have a local derby when they entertain promotion chasing Stanway Pegasus at the Oak, kick-off 7.45pm.