REPORT BY COLIN ROGERS

Only 19 seconds after the kick-off, Harwich scored their first goal. Alfie Canning laid the ball through for Luke Mayhew and in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Danny Foulger, the Shrimpers' skipper neatly side-footed the ball home.
In the 5th minute, Harwich scored their second goal when Tyler Sullivan's deep cross fell perfectly for Canning to net.
The was no respite for Whittlesey. With 15 minutes on the clock Canning featured again, sending the ball across for Louie Bloom to score goal number three with a deft flick.
Next, Foulger did well to tip Mayhew's shot over the crossbar as Whittlesey battled hard and kept the Shrimpers at bay until five minutes before half time but then, from Mayhew's corner kick, defender Will Crisell came forward and increased the scoreline to 4-0 by netting at the near post.
Harwich were soon back on the goal trail after the restart and, when a shot was blocked, Alfie Eldridge crossed for Canning to score his second goal with a well placed header across the goalkeeper.
The Shrimpers' sixth goal was a very well-taken one by substitute Joe Knight, who beat two defenders before giving Foulger no chance with an angled shot from the byline.
Whittlesey's troubles increased when a second yellow card reduced them to ten men.
Attacker Danny Garrad had come on to join in the spree, scoring the 7th Harwich goal from close range.
Before the final whistle there was time for Canning (pictured) to complete his hat-trick, scoring from a free kick that he curled around Athletic's defensive wall. After the game, he was presented with the Man of the Match award.
The margin of victory was the club's biggest in senior football since 2003 when Henley Town were defeated 8-0 on the Oak in an FA Vase tie.
Credit to Whittlesey, who never gave up, for their whole-hearted, sporting performance. Our best wishes to them for the rest of the season.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Alfie Eldridge, Jack Wood, Will Crisell, Reece Harte, Alfie Smith, Tyler Sullivan, Luke Mayhew, Idreess Namisi, Alfie Canning and Louie Bloom. Substitutes: Joe Knight, Danny Garrad, Bradley James, Dan Keeble and Liam White (all used).

Harwich and Parkeston

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Attendance

Competition

League position

Login