Division 3SEClacton 2 Old Southendians 3Clacton started their league campaign with a strong performance but not the result their performance deserved.

Division 3SE

Clacton 2 Old Southendians 3

Clacton started their league campaign with a strong performance but not the result their performance deserved.

As early as the second minute the Seasider's had the visitors on the back foot with Sam Hodge's mazy run ending with a penalty to the home side. Hodge stepped up, but the keeper was able to safe from the spot.

Clacton played some great attacking hockey and with sturdy defending from Trevor Sumption, Johnny Hambrook, Gavin Underhay, and man-of-the-match Nick Key the visitors were struggling to create any headway into the Seasider's defence.

Going forwards Jamie Roberts, Alex Mortimer, Carl Parkes, and Densil Donovan combined well to create plenty of chances.

Up front Rik Coleman and Sam Hodge had ample chances to win the game for the Seasider's.

Clacton's short corners were working well, with Hodge breaking the dead lock with a nicely worked corner.

Minutes later Coleman fired in an unstoppable corner strike to put Clacton deservedly 2-0 up.

The Seasider's continued to create changes, but failed to convert the efforts and put the game to bed early on.

With half time approaching the visitors started getting their game together and managed a break away goal to get themselves back into a game they should have already lost.

The second half continued with Clacton missing opportunities to extend their lead, and as time went by the visitors, as in the first half, got closer to the Clacton defence.

When a ball was fired in from the right the visitors first time shot flew past home keeper Mike Key for 2-2.

Hodge and Coleman combined well up front with the midfield able to find them with ease, but frustratingly the visitors keeper was able to get in the way.

With five minutes left the visitors fired the ball into the circle to find their attacker in the right place to tap in the winner on the far post.

It was a disappointing opening result for Clacton having put in a fantastic performance of flowing attacking hockey.

Next week Clacton take on another team relegated last season in a tough game away at Fords.