PROUD FC Clacton boss Tom Austin felt his side "sent out a message" after eliminating League Cup holders Brantham Athletic 4-1.

Three goals in the last four minutes, including two in stoppage time, handed the Seasiders an eye-catching second-round victory at the Rush Green Bowl on Tuesday night.

Jake Plane blasted a hat-trick - finishing with a penalty - while substitute Adam Hampson was also on target against the Imps.

"Not many teams will beat Brantham 4-1," said a delighted Austin.

"They're one of the best sides in our division and they were the cup holders, so it sends out a bit of a message.

"Was it a 4-1 game?

"No it wasn't but it's the result that matters and it was a brilliant one in a local derby.

"They all count, whether they're in the league or cup, and this winning feeling is contagious.

"Now we have to keep going.

"We can't afford to take our foot off the gas and it's all about being consistent, as far as I'm concerned.

"That's my big word.

"We're hitting the levels we want to be hitting and now it's a case of doing it week in, week out.

"We're giving the players the tools to do what they need to do.

"Now it's down to them to push on but I'm really pleased for them and the fans.

"Everyone's buzzing and right now I can't ask for anything more from the boys."

Plane was the hat-trick hero, including two stoppage-time strikes, to seal an eye-catching victory in the second-round tie.

At one point it looked like a penalty shoot-out could be needed, with the contest delicately poised at 1-1.

Instead, Clacton finished with a flourish and in addition to Plane’s late brace – adding to his earlier free-kick – Hampson was also on target for the Seasiders.

It means the in-form hosts have now won three matches in a row and are unbeaten in four league and cup fixtures.

Clacton took the lead just before half-time.

Plane came up trumps with an unstoppable free-kick from just outside the box.

Brantham restored parity after a lapse in concentration by Seasiders keeper Joe Fowler, fumbling a corner into his own net.

And it looked like a shoot-out could be on the cards, with the sides all-square heading into the latter stages and no provision for extra time.

Instead, Hampson produced a clinical finish four minutes from time after Harry McDonald’s thunderbolt shot was only parried by Imps keeper Ben Mayhew.

Plane then made the tie safe before winning and converting a penalty right at the death, putting the gloss on an excellent victory.

"The first half was scrappy and they had the better chances, so to go in ahead was a real bonus," added Austin.

"Joe then made a mistake for their goal but luckily that's forgotten about, because of the way we finished the game.

"Take that goal away and it would have been a clean sheet - the first since August.

"There's a buzz around the club.

"I've got some brilliant players here and I just want to keep the group together.

"If we keep doing well, other clubs are going to start looking at our players. It's only natural.

"If that happens it'll be down to us to show ambition and try to keep them."