HARWICH and Parkeston chairman Tony Armstrong has admitted being “astounded” by the “exceptional” support his team are receiving this season.

The Shrimpers have made a bright start to life in Essex and Suffolk Border League division one, winning three of their four fixtures heading into tomorrow’s home showdown against neighbours Little Oakley Reserves.

The club decided to drop down from the premier division during the summer, saying they could no longer afford to finance a team in the league’s top flight.

But it doesn’t appear to have diluted their supporters’ enthusiasm, with attendances at home games so far being around the 100-mark.

The club do not charge admission fees anymore and instead ask supporters to make donations.

For the full story, see this week's Standard.