NE14Hockey East Men's LeagueDivision Four South East Clacton 3 Maldon & Lt Baddow 3WITH nothing riding on the final match of the season for either side the game was open and flowing with both sides relaxed on a wintry day.

NE14Hockey East Men's League

Division Four South East

Clacton 3 Maldon & Lt Baddow 3

WITH nothing riding on the final match of the season for either side the game was open and flowing with both sides relaxed on a wintry day.

Clacton took the lead when Sam Hodge slotted home a Denzil Donovan cross and when Donovan added a second it looked like the Seasiders were going to get their home win to end the season off brightly, but the visitors had other ideas when they poked in from close range to make it 2-1 at the break.

The second half saw both sides sharing possession and chances with the visitors equalising before James Mead picked out Hodge to make it 3-2. The visitors kept fighting and deflected home their third to earn a point.

Clacton finish the season fourth, after being second for most the season, meaning they will be playing in the same league next season. The second eleven have secured safety in division 7SE in what has been a stabilising season for the club.

Ryan Nippress showed fantastic consistency for a 14-year-old and another year in the same league will allow him to grow with strength and confidence. This week's man-of-the-match and another new regular to the first team that has performed consistently, growing in stature was Mead. Nick Key has shown his potential at sweeper and with veterans Mike Key, Colin Hook, Denzil Donovan, and Carl Parkes adding the experience things are looking good for another top half finish next season, and if the Seasiders can sustain a regular squad for the whole of a season then promotion should be achievable.

Clacton say good bye to German visitor Phil Herr who has provided some useful and interesting input into the club over the season, thank you Phil and good luck. Coming the other way is John Hambrook back from a tour in Australia.