FC CLACTON assistant manager Mike Wallace has sung the praises of “class act” Kevin Coyle.

The long-serving utility man played another starring role as the Seasiders held on to pip neighbours Wivenhoe Town 4-3, at the Rush Green Bowl on Boxing Day.

Coyle operated at right-back – not his regular position – but still managed to chip in with another goal, to cap his 350th start for hometown club Clacton.

“Kev deserves special mention for his performance on Boxing Day,” said Wallace.

“Not only did he score, he also played in an unfamiliar position and didn’t look out of place at all.

“It was like he’d played there all season.

“He’s operated pretty much everywhere for us this season – across the back four and midfield - and is a real class act.

“His attitude has been first-class since he came back to the club and he’s such a support to me and (manager) Kieron (Shelley).”

Clacton, who lost 2-0 at Histon on Saturday, got off to the worst possible start after conceding inside 90 seconds against the Dragons on Boxing Day.

Jake Plane then equalised, from Coyle’s throw, before making it 2-1.

Coyle applied the finishing touch to a slick move before Matt Eve’s scrambled finish made it 4-1.

However, Clacton made life difficult for themselves after conceding twice more to set up a tense and anxious finale.

“First and foremost, we were delighted to win the game,” said Wallace.

“It was a pretty poor game and several of the goals came from mistakes.

“Nevertheless, it was really pleasing to get the points and, overall, we’re happy with our performance in the first half of the season.

“However, I would say that in order to move to the next level, we need to learn to kill teams off.

“We were cruising at 4-1.

“The game should have been over but, for whatever reason, we suddenly switched off.

“We made life much harder and more nervous than it should have been, by conceding two more goals, and a really good side wouldn’t have let that happen.

“We need to manage games a bit better and be a bit more clever and ruthless in terms of putting games to bed, but that will come with experience.”

Clacton play their final game of 2017 at Stowmarket Town, on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

The Seasiders will head into the match sitting 14th in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division with more points on the board than they managed in the whole of the 2016-17 campaign.

Steve Downes returns from suspension while Zach Smith-Walter is available again, having been a regular starter in recent weeks but been available on Boxing Day.

Clacton will also be hoping for another cameo appearance from Ben Parkin, who got some minutes under his belt against former club Wivenhoe.

The striker has been on the sidelines since the summer, having picked up an ankle injury in Clacton’s pre-season friendly defeat at Brightlingsea Regent.

“Ben’s had a long spell out and it was lovely to see him play a few minutes at the end,” said Wallace.

“It’s going to take a while to get match-fit, but at least he’s available and involved again.”

Clacton return to the Rush Green Bowl on January 6, for a home match with Gorleston.