Second half goal rush takes Harwich through to a second round tie away to Thurrock Reserves in the Essex Premier Cup

The Shrimpers had plenty of the play in the first half but paid the price for not taking their chances when Scott Edmonds put Division One West Mersea ahead just before the interval with the home team’s first real shot of the game. Mersea goalkeeper James Rutter had also played a big part in preventing Harwich from scoring but he was beaten in the 53rd minute when Michael Hammond volleyed home from Steve Lingley’s cross. Three minutes later Nicky Palmer’s effort hit the post and Steve Oldhamstead followed up to net Harwich second goal. The Shrimpers third goal came in the 70th minute when Robbie Marks shot just inside the post. Lingley was involved again providing the opportunity from which the hard working Joss Neale scored Harwich fourth goal.