FC CLACTON assistant manager Ade Webster praised his players for winning their individual battles in Tuesday’s impressive 3-2 pre-season friendly victory at Brightlingsea Regent.

Adam Hampson and Harry McDonald netted in quick succession around the half-hour mark before Karl Andrade’s late third gave the Seasiders an encouraging win against their Bostik League neighbours.

George Keys netted both Regent goals.

“Hopefully it’ll build team spirit and for me it’s always about winning individual battles,” said vastly-experienced coach Webster.

“I had a coach who used to say that if we had seven guys winning their individual battles, we always had a chance of winning the game.

“On Tuesday, I felt we had that.

“There’s always going to be the occasion when you outplay a side and still get beat but that’s the general rule of thumb I’ve always worked towards.

“The fitness levels are getting there and that was a good indication of how we want to play.

“We had one or two missing, too, so hopefully squad-wise we’re going to be in a good position.

“Whenever we’re able to field our strongest side, we’re always going to have a chance.”

Ex-Wivenhoe Town and Halstead Town striker Hampson continued his impressive pre-season form with a neat finish at the near post, after great work from Andrade.

It was no more than the visitors deserved after a bright start and McDonald, a former Regent striker, soon made it two with a cool finish after racing through on James Bradbrook’s goal.

Brightlingsea handed themselves a lifeline after the break and deservedly pulled one back through Keys.

The defender hooked the ball inside the left-hand post after a corner was headed into his path by Matt Cripps.

Andrade restored the two-goal advantage with a brilliant volleyed goal, after excellent work down the right-hand side by Hampson.

But Keys ensured a nervous finale after pouncing from close range, following a corner.

“The boys were buzzing afterwards,” added Webster.

“There’s a rivalry between the clubs that goes back to when I was manager at Brightlingsea.

“It’s healthy and made for a better friendly.”