HARWICH and Parkeston beat Pinchbeck United 2-1 to keep the pressure on the Thurlow Nunn League first division north leaders Haverhill Rovers, writes TERRY FRANCIS and COLIN ROGERS.

The Shrimpers had to battle to overcome a determined Pinchbeck side but the victory keeps them only two points behind the league leaders. with a game in hand.

For the opening 25 minutes, Pinchbeck held the initiative and when the referee deemed a foul tackle had been committed, Logan Tate powered in the penalty kick, despite Brad Cook getting a hand to the ball, for the visitors to enjoy a deserved lead.

This was signal for Harwich to come back into the game and five minutes later they equalised when Luke Mayhew's cross found Danny Garrad whose header was parried out by goalkeeper Ben Martin for the alert Shrimpers striker Louie Bloom to net from close range.

After another five minutes, Harwich had turned the tables and were in the lead when Martin managed to stop Dan Keeble's first shot but the big defender refused to be denied and followed up to score.

The Shrimpers had to further chances to consolidate their lead before half-time, firstly when Keeble sent over a cross which Garrad was inches from reaching and then when Mayhew's drive brought a super flying save from Martin.

Defences were on top after the break, with the Harwich rearguards offside trap proving effective and Pinchbeck's strong central defenders on form.

Against a Pinchbeck team who were difficult opposition, the Shrimpers were finding it hard to get their game together and had to concentrate on not letting their lead slip.

In attack, Harwich were unable to test Martin again but Bloom did work tremendously hard throughout.

In one last effort to salvage a point, Pinchbeck brought on three substitutes simultaneously and when danger threatened Keeble made a vital interception with a header back to goalkeeper Cook.

Harwich, who have now won ten of their 11 league matches, entertain Whittlesey Athletic on Saturday at the Gwinnell and Sons Royal Oak, kick off 3pm.

Next Tuesday (October 15), Harwich host Benfleet in the BBC Essex Senior Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.