THURROCK 2

CLACTON 1

East Men’s League division three SE

CLACTON produced an energetic performance and were unfortunate not to come away with their first point of the year.

They engineered some good flowing moves and plenty of chances, taking the lead midway through the first half.

Tom Jones stole the ball down the left before linking up well with Elliot Steele, who picked out the willing run of midfielder Mat Timms.

Timms duly scored his second of the season – Clacton’s first goal of 2016 – to make it 1-0.

Stephen Moriarty was as tireless as ever up front, running the channels and providing great hold-up play.

This allowed captain Carl Parkes to join in and ask questions of the Thurrock defence.

James Mead was solid in protecting the defensive line, backed up by Kieron Parkes.

And when the home side got past man-of-the-match Nick Key, they found Michael Hook in inspired form, saving a number of one-on-ones.

John Hambrook and Sam Jenner brought great energy and utilised the space they were offered down the flanks, with Clacton going close to a second but the hosts just surviving.

The home side then scored two goals either side of the break, when two short corners somehow found their way past Clacton bodies.

On Saturday, the Seasiders will be looking to build on their positive play when they host Wapping at Vista Road (2pm).