CLACTON 1

MALDON 5

East Men's League division three SE

CLACTON started the year with a tough fixture against high-flying Maldon.

They produced a solid first-half performance, before the visitors found their rhythm and ran away with the points.

Jack Blackbourn, making his debut in goal for the first team, was man-of-match, making a number of great saves, particularly in the first half to keep his side in the game.

If Clacton had been more clinical with their chances and got themselves in front, the game could have been very different.

Instead, the Seasiders were forced to open up and chase the game and this played into Maldon's hands.

The visitors were good enough and fast enough to make full use of the extra space and give Blackbourn no chance of continuing his first-half acrobatics.

The visitors took an early lead, but Clacton struck back with their first short corner of the game after captain Carl Parkes ghosted through the middle and Nick Key smashed home.

The visitors then nudged in front again midway through the half.

On the stroke of half-time, the Seasiders got their second short corner but this time Key saw his shot go just the wrong side of the post.

The second half saw Clacton pushing on and creating chances through Rik Coleman, Stephen Moriarty and following solid runs from Elliot Steele.

Tom Jones caused the visitors problems with his close skills and tenacious tackling, while Mat Timms was solid in his tackling and tireless effort.

Sam Jenner forced his way down the right and made an awesome goal-line save, while Tom Sinclair commanded the defensive line, with Denzil Donovan solid on the left and linking up well with Shane Walker.

Clacton host Southend at Vista Road on Saturday (2pm).