HARWICH continued their steady progress up the League table when they easily overcame very poor opposition with a 6-1 victory over struggling Hedingham at the Royal Oak in the Essex and Suffolk Border League division one.

The victory saw Harwich up to fourth in the table.

With goalkeeper Sam Felgate unavailable Harwich named Matt Stace between the posts and he showed his versatility with a very accomplished performance making several fine saves.

He will be a very valuable signing if regularly available for the end of season push for promotion.

Robbie Marks netted another hat-trick to send him to top scorer position in the division one goal-scorer table. It was clear the opposition had team raising difficulties as they only arrived at the Oak with a bare 11 players.

They knew they were in for a tough afternoon when Craig Martin opened the scoring after only two minutes when he raced through on to a perfect pass to round the keeper and fire home.

Harwich were clearly on top and it was clear it was going to be a case of how many goals the Shrimpers were going to score.

Marks increased the lead when he fired home from close range midway through the half.

Michael Griggs, making a rare appearance, shot home superbly from the box a few minutes later and Marks completed the first half scoring when he battled hard to keep possession and shot home again from close range to give Harwich a 4-0 interval lead. Harwich had a poor second period and actually allowed the visitors a consolation goal on the hour to reduce the arrears.

Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly dashed when Robbie May volleyed home from 30 yards straight from the kick-off.

Despite having numerous chances, Harwich failed to score again until Marks headed a pin-point May corner to outjump the Hedingham defence.

Hedingham did create some worrying opportunities late in the game to give the Harwich management some things to consider to put right before tomorrow’s top-of-the-table match with Gas Recreation Reserves at Bromley Road kick-off 2pm.