CLACTON chipped away at their hosts’ deficit to make progress in the Eastern League’s Handicap Cup.

Based on last year’s Summer League results, the Seasiders started with a nine-goal deficit in their first-round match against Ipswich, at the Royal Hospital School.

They faced an uphill battle, but the first quarter began positively and three goals from Ian Westlake contributed to a 4-1 lead.

In the second quarter, Clacton began to relax, allowing their hosts back into the match with two quick goals.

It wasn’t until close to the end of the quarter that the Seasiders managed to add to their tally, with another strike from Westlake and two from Neil Coles.

The half-time score was 7-3 to Clacton.

Ipswich still had a five-goal advantage on handicap, though.

The Seasiders needed to play two solid quarters to gradually pull back the deficit.

In the third they scored five with only two in reply.

Going into the final quarter, the score stood at 12-5 on the night – with Clacton needing another two to be level on handicap – but they managed to chip away at the deficit to come away with a 15-5 victory.

More importantly, with the handicap taken into account, they managed to win 15-14.

Team (goals in brackets): Keith Gibson, James Fry, Ian Westlake (6), Adrian Westlake (2), Mick Rodwell, Robert Eastman (2), David Green, Neil Green (1) and Neil Coles (4).