ADAM Hampson believes he and Karl Andrade can forge an exciting attacking partnership for FC Clacton.

The pair have been in exceptional form during pre-season and both were among the goals again as the Seasiders routed Wormingford Wanderers 8-0 to make progress in the Tolleshunt D'Arcy Memorial Cup, on Saturday.

Andrade scored a hat-trick while Hampson continued his excellent goalscoring form by scoring twice.

Charlie Thompson also recorded a brace and the scoring was completed by Brad James, with his first goal for the club.

“Karl and I have played together for the best part of 15 years,” said Hampson, who will be hoping to open his league account for the club in tomorrow night’s opening match at Hadleigh United.

“We know each other inside out through spending so much time together at school, college, work and, of course, football.

“When one of us picks up the ball, we know where the other is going to be and we’ve linked up well in the games so far.

“It makes it that little bit easier and there are other players in the team who also know our game and look for us early.

“That’s something I noticed straight away when I came here, that the boys want to get the ball to us nice and quickly.

“That really helps us both and hopefully it’ll bear fruit in terms of goals.

“Another good thing is that we’ve played four or five different systems during pre-season and everyone has got on with what’s been asked of them.

“It can be difficult having to do different things but the lads have adjusted and responded well, which shows they can be versatile and adapt.”

Clacton are unbeaten in five matches – four friendlies and the Tolleshunt D’Arcy Cup tie.

They have won four of them, including an eye-catching win at Bostik League premier division neighbours Brightlingsea Regent, and also drew 2-2 at Essex Senior League new-boys Stanway Rovers.

“(Manager) Tommy Austin is assembling a decent squad with good options,” added Hampson.

“There will be some boys in the dressing room who are bit gutted not to have started more games in pre-season but it’s going to be a long season and we’re going to need everyone.

“It’s important we’ve got 16, 17 or 18 players who are raring to go because you’re never successful just with 11.

“It’s always about the bigger picture, especially when you play yourself playing three games a week for four or five weeks in a row around Christmas.

“That’s when you need your squad.”

Saturday was also a good day for the club’s reserves, who continued their build-up to the new Essex and Suffolk Border League season with a 3-1 win at Tiptree Engaine.

Charlie McDougall, Lyndon Bramhall and Brad Smith were their scorers.