FC CLACTON lost 3-2 at home to Saffron Walden Town in the Essex Senior League, writes JOSEPH BROWN.
The Seasiders started well and their pressing continues to trouble the visitors.
However, Saffron Walden soon responded with a series of threatening opportunities.
They almost scored when a speculative shot from distance beat the FC Clacton goalkeeper but clipped a post and stayed out.
Moments later, a close-range header looked destined for the net only for the Seasiders keeper to produce a fantastic save.
But FC Clacton’s pressing efforts are rewarded when Jaimie Hursit's misplaced header inadvertently put Arthur Bright through on goal.
Bright reacted quickly and expertly lobbed the keeper from distance to make it 1-0.
The Seasiders maintained the pressure and Idreess Namisi tried to double the lead with a long-range strike that narrowly missed the target.
Saffron Walden pushed for an equaliser though and a dangerous effort was kept out heroically at the near post while soon after, Jordan Elongo missed a gilt-edged chance, blasting a shot over the bar from close range.
Clacton’s lead was undone by a moment of weakness at a set piece.
Saffron Walden made the most of a corner, heading the ball towards the far post to level the score at 1-1.
Despite their dominance and pressing play, the Seasiders headed into half-time with the game evenly poised.
Both teams begin the second half determined to dictate the tempo.
Saffron Walden made it 2-1 after a long throw-in was headed backwards towards the near post and tapped in by Solomon Ofori.
FC Clacton’s goalkeeper Josh Fowler was called into action soon after, producing an outstanding save to deny Emmanuel Okunja’s attempt.
A moment of controversy followed when Saffron Walden were awarded a controversial penalty.
Their striker confidently and powerfully converted from the spot, extending the lead to 3-1.
FC Clacton, despite trailing, responded admirably, dominated possession and applied significant pressure.
James Letts dazzled with a piece of skill to beat Helder Da Moura, but the resulting cross was just about gathered by the keeper.
Saffron nearly added to their lead when a free-kick into the box rattled a post, but FC Clacton finally pulled one back to reignite hope.
A superb pass down the right found Tyrese Miller, who delivered a pinpoint ball into the box for Saifaldin Shangama to score.
FC Clacton pushed for an equaliser bur their efforts were repeatedly hindered by questionable refereeing decisions, including a dubious foul that stopped a quick break.
FC Clacton earned a free-kick in the dying moments and the players and supporters commended the referee for the call.
The ball was launched into the box and appeared to strike a Saffron player’s arm, prompting loud appeals for a penalty which were rejected.
Despite their relentless pressing and determination, FC Clacton were left frustrated by another narrow and undeserved defeat.
The Seasiders can take pride in their performance, but will undoubtedly feel hard done by the result.
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