FC CLACTON boss David Coyle felt the score painted a false picture in Tuesday’s 6-0 defeat at Stanway Rovers.

The Seasiders conceded three goals in each half during the Thurlow Nunn League premier division contest at The Hawthorns.

Stanway were ruthless in front of goal – but Coyle felt the score was hard on his Seasiders, who now face another tough match at home to champions-elect Norwich United on Saturday.

“If I’m honest, I thought the score flattered Stanway,” he said.

“There’s no doubt the best team won, but losing by six was hard on us.

“They scored six goals from seven shots and were very clinical.

“But Jack Clampin missed an open goal from two yards and their keeper made a good save from Kevin (Coyle).

“When you play the top teams, you have little spells when you get on top, as we did at the start of the second half.

“We played more football and produced three or four really good moves.

“You have to capitalise in that time and we couldn’t do that.”

Clacton had to make do without skipper and top-scorer Aaron Condon, who was unavailable, and the injured Lee Townrow.

“That was a huge blow because we know that in order to compete with the top teams – which we have done on other occasions – we need our strongest side on the pitch, to give us the best possible chance,” added Coyle.

“We didn’t have that and ended up comfortably beaten.

“However, we kept going and I can’t fault anyone’s effort. They gave it a real go.”

Clacton, who lost 3-0 at home to Hadleigh United on Friday night, are now preparing for a visit from Norwich on Saturday.

And Coyle believes his side are capable of an upset.

“Stranger things have happened,” he said.

“Norwich are the best team in the league by a mile.

“They’re Stanway with a bit more.

“But we’ve just got to get on with it and produce a strong performance for the whole game, rather than a few minutes here or there.

“If we switch off, we’ll get punished.”