FC CLACTON suffered a 4-0 defeat at Bostik League side Aveley, in their opening pre-season friendly on Thursday night.

Jake Plane missed a first-half penalty and the visitors were unlucky to see two other efforts come back off the woodwork.

Nevertheless, there were some positives for manager Tom Austin as he continues shaping his squad for next season's Thurlow Nunn League campaign.

Clacton had been due to play a friendly against Colne Athletics at Strangers Corner, in Brightlingsea, on Saturday afternoon.

However, due to England's World Cup quarter-final against Sweden, the match has now been moved to next Tuesday evening (July 10), at the University of Essex (kick-off 7pm).