Division 3SEClacton 3 Dunmow 4Clacton ended their season with defeat at the hands of Dunmow.In a game which saw Clacton play some of their best and worst hockey of the season, it soon became clear that the strength of the Dunmow forwards would play a key role as they muscled their way into the area for a number of early chances.

Division 3SE

Clacton 3 Dunmow 4

Clacton ended their season with defeat at the hands of Dunmow.

In a game which saw Clacton play some of their best and worst hockey of the season, it soon became clear that the strength of the Dunmow forwards would play a key role as they muscled their way into the area for a number of early chances.

Clacton also had chances to take the lead, with young Ryan Nippress running hard at the Dunmow defence and taking on older and more experienced players. Nippress' powerful running opened up opportunities for Danny Clow and Steve Moriarty, but unfortunately Clacton were unable to find the killer blow.

Dunmow continued to surge forward and opened the scoring just before the break with an excellent cross field ball finding the stick of the big centre forward to put the hosts ahead.

At the start of the second half Clacton seemed to capitulate and, as they looked for an equaliser, they allowed Dunmow to strike again. This trend continued as Clacton looked for the breakthrough they deserved, but Dunmow extended their lead and soon found themselves four goals up.

With nothing to lose Clacton began to play their best hockey of the year. Danny Clow stuck a sweet shot from the edge of the Dunmow area to give Clacton a glimmer of hope. Clow struck a second soon after and Clacton started to sense something special on the horizon.

James Mead found himself playing a strikers role and latched onto a Kevin Downes pass with a full length dive to bring the Seasiders within one goal of a dramatic comeback. However, it was not to be, and despite extensive Clacton pressure, driven by the tireless efforts of man-of-the-match Steve Hawes, they could not find the equaliser.

Dunmow continued to press also and Tom Burridge pulled off some tight saves to keep Clacton's hopes alive, but Mead and Clow were both unable to convert opportunities from Russell Measor passes to level the scores.

Clacton finish the season a creditable fourth in their division and are awaiting a league ruling to confirm their promotion for next season.