Report by Terry Francis and Colin Rogers

On a bitterly cold evening, Harwich warmed their loyal supporters with one of their best performances of the season so far.
Again the Shrimpers started well with Louie Bloom shooting just past the post and then Zachary Pedro having a goal disallowed.
The Shrimpers remained on top and were rewarded in the 40th minute when a move started by Oakley McNair saw skipper Gareth Heath loop the ball over the visitors' defence for Luke Mayhew to finish well by hammering the Shrimpers into the lead.
With half time imminent, Shaun Avis (pictured) increased Harwich's lead with a poacher's goal from 6 yards.
Harwich continued the second half in dominant form and in the 60th minute Pedro outpaced the last defender and beat advancing goalkeeper Josh Wakefield to net the Shrimpers' third goal. Seven minutes later, Harwich's commanding lead increased to 4-0 when Heath played the ball to Mayhew, who scored his second of the night with a cool finish.
Shrimpers goalkeeper Brad Cook was then called upon to make a good diving save at the feet of an attacker.

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This was a signal for Benfleet to stage a mini-comeback when Aaron Russell fired a low shot into the corner of the net and then Jake Godfrey narrowed the scoreline to 4-2 via a header at the far post.
With 8 minutes remaining, Harwich stretched their winning margin to 5-2 with a superb 25-yard lob from Avis which Wakefield did well to touch but could not prevent powering into the net.
Next up for the Shrimpers is an ESL trip to Basildon United on Saturday. Please note this is a 2pm kick-off.
Harwich team: Brad Cook, Tom Watkins, Oakley McNair, Jack Wood, Reece Harte, Gareth Heath, Alfie Eldridge, Luke Mayhew, Louie Bloom, Zachary Pedro and Shaun Avis. Substitutes: Teddy Johnson, Jack Milne, Tiwa Odufuye, Liam White (all used) and John Watkins (not used).