WALTHAM FOREST II 6

CLACTON 2

East Men’s League division three south-east

CLACTON were unable to match a well-drilled Waltham Forest side.

They battled hard and nearly got themselves back in the game, before the home side finished the scoring with two late goals.

Man-of-the-match Michael Hook was in fine form and made a number of crucial saves to keep his side in with a sniff of a result until late on.

However, the home side’s passing and moving meant he was eventually exposed and could do nothing to prevent them slotting in three goals in each half.

Nick Key scored his tenth goal of the season as the Seasiders made it all-square at 1-1, in the 14th minute.

Then, 14 minutes into the second half, John Hambrook was alert when the ball found its way to him to poke past the keeper for his second of the season, to make it 4-2.

Zak Page had a mazy run and was unfortunate when his well-struck shot was deemed to be dangerous.

Russell Measor also went close with a short-corner effort.

Chris Brett was solid at right-back, Thomas Jones was ever-present in midfield, Jack Ager-Smith created opportunities down the left and Stephen Moriarty was always an outlet up front, using good positional sense.

However, Clacton’s efforts to press on meant the home side had more space to play their flowing hockey and they ran in another two goals to finish the scoring at 6-2.

On Saturday, Clacton host Essex University (Vista Road, 2pm) in their penultimate game of the season.