FC CLACTON are set to play a mid-season friendly against coastal neighbours Weeley Athletic tonight.

The sides are meeting at the Rush Green Bowl (kick-off 7.30pm).

Seasiders boss David Coyle wanted to arrange the fixture to give some of his players a run-out, due to call-offs and a lack of midweek matches in recent weeks.

“It’ll be a strong team we field tonight,” he told the Gazette.

“It’s a chance for those who haven’t played much in the last two or three weeks to get some minutes under their belts.

“And there will also be some reserve-team players involved, in addition to some of our under-21s.

“We need to put out a side that will be competitive against a strong Weeley side.”

Those set to feature include Luke Avenell, Max Kirby, Adam Daniels, assistant boss Mark White, Dan Smith, Jordan Brazitis, Charlie Thompson and Karl Andrade.

Others not in tonight’s squad include goalkeeper Joe Fowler, Chris Ribchester, Billy Wales, Parris Newland, Jack Clampin, Wayne Chapman, skipper Aaron Condon and Ben Parkin.

Weeley are flying high in second spot Essex and Suffolk Border League division one, with ten wins from their 13 games.

Former Clacton pair Louie Newland and Steve Downes both now play for the Vista Road side.