LUKE Mayhew scored the winner as Harwich and Parkeston beat visitors Stanway Pegasus 1-0 to stay top of Thurlow Nunn League first division north, writes TERRY FRANCIS.

The Shrimpers enjoyed a good first half in which they scored the all -important goal but then had to show their fighting spirit to claim the three points.

Harwich made a whirlwind start to the match and in the first five minutes, twice came close to scoring.

Pegasus goalkeeper Sam Felgate did well to save Joe Knight's shot and a minute later, made a point-blank stop from Jack Wood's fierce drive.

Pegasus came back and Shrimpers keeper Brad Cook made a good save with his feet and then the visitors had a shot that went narrowly past the post.

There was a good crowd present to watch this floodlight local derby and they were on their toes again when Harwich won a corner and from Alfie Canning's kick, Dan Keeble's powerful header was cleared off the goal line.

With 40 minutes gone Harwich scored a peach of a goal when a loose ball was picked up by Alfie Smith who played in Luke Mayhew and last season's leading goalscorer powered in an unstoppable left-foot rocket.

Just before half-time, Stanway Pegasus were reduced to ten men with a straight red card sending off.

Pegasus came out for the second half determined to overcome this setback and in the 53rd minute, Harry Willoughby's free-kick struck the crossbar and was cleared to safety.

Harwich could not find the cohesion which they had shown in the first 45 minutes and with Pegasus passing the ball well, it became a battle for the Shrimpers to retain their lead.

There was a scare for Harwich when a neat move saw Willoughby head the ball into the net but the assistant referee had his flag up for offside.

With 14 minutes remaining, Pegasus were reduced to nine men with a player receiving his second yellow card.

A Pegasus victory would have seen the teams on level points so at the final whistle there was jubilation for Harwich and their supporters.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Harwich travel to meet FC Peterborough whilst their under-23 team entertain Wivenhoe Town under-23s at the Gwinnell and Sons Royal Oak, kick-off 3pm.

The Shrimpers visit Framlingham Town in the League Cup next Tuesday, kick-off 7.45pm.