FC CLACTON suffered heartache after seeing a two-goal interval lead go up in smoke at Godmanchester Rovers, eventually losing 4-3.

It was the third time in four games the Seasiders had been involved in a seven-goal thriller - the other was a 3-3 draw - and they were left kicking themselves after getting themselves into such a strong position at Bearscroft Lane.

Having led 2-0 through Jake Plane and Adam Hampson, the Cambridgeshire side fought back to make it 2-2.

Plane then scored again to make it 3-2 with just eight minutes to go - only for the hosts to rally in the latter stages and claim all three Thurlow Nunn League points.

Clacton are 11th in the table but have conceded 25 goals - the most in the premier division and one more than basement boys Great Yarmouth Town.

“We’ve got a real issue at the moment where we’re conceding too many goals," said defender Lee Clowsley.

“We’re scoring a lot, too, but we need to tighten up at the back because it’s becoming a real worry.

“In every game we’re conceding goals.

“They’re sloppy and ones that are stemming from mistakes that we shouldn’t be making.

“But we’ll keep battling and keep going and we’re really looking forward to Saturday."

Clacton's next match is this weekend's FA Vase first-round proper tie at Spartan South Midlands League division one side Buckingham Athletic.

The Seasiders beat Hoddesdon Town 3-2 in the second qualifying round on September 15.

They pocketed £725 and the prize money for winning on Saturday is £825.

The losing side will walk away with £275.

It was also a disappointing weekend for Clacton's reserves, as they lost 6-2 at home to Tavern in the Border League Knockout Cup.

It came on the back of a 6-0 victory against Long Melford Reserves in Essex and Suffolk Border League division two at the Rush Green Bowl on Wednesday.

Next up for the reserves is Saturday's league match against AFC Sudbury A, which has now been switched from the Kings Marsh Stadium to the Bowl.

Clacton's under-18s return to action with two Thurlow Nunn Youth League south division matches in the next week.

First up they entertain Halstead Town at the Rush Green Bowl on Thursday evening, followed by a trip to Brantham Athletic next Tuesday.