Division 8SEWapping 4 Clacton II 1Ten men of Clacton travelled up to second placed Wapping looking to cause an upset, but came away with nothing. A spate of injuries, illness, and lack of availability saw the Seasiders make the trip with only ten men, and this deficit told against the larger squad Wapping had available.

Division 8SE

Wapping 4 Clacton II 1

Ten men of Clacton travelled up to second placed Wapping looking to cause an upset, but came away with nothing.

A spate of injuries, illness, and lack of availability saw the Seasiders make the trip with only ten men, and this deficit told against the larger squad Wapping had available.

The high tempo start to the game led to a number of chances for the hosts, who were denied by the strong defence of James Mead and Steve Moriarty, and a string of saves from captain Tom Burridge in the Clacton goal. However, Clacton too saw some bright passages of play in the first half, as Steve Key and Russell Measor managed to find plenty of space further up the field, and debutant Tim Sargeant showed some deft touches allowing Clacton some attacking opportunities.

In fact, Danny Clow had a goal disallowed for an earlier infringement towards the end of the half, before Wapping went into the break ahead with a crashing shot from right on the edge of the area.

Clacton looked to take the game to Wapping in the second half. Danny Clow created some excellent chances, but Clacton failed to convert them. Wapping then surged forward and took advantage of some tired Clacton legs, scoring twice in quick succession.

The energetic presence of Steve Hawes in the Clacton midfield belied his age and inspired all the Clacton players forward, leading to a string of four consecutive short corners. Clacton couldn't take advantage however and Wapping managed to convert another goal as a rocketing shot dissected James Mead on the goal-line.

Clacton finished the game strong and were a constant threat. Returning hero and man-of-the-match Matt Mayes gave the Seasiders a glimmer of hope with a confident strike from close range. The pressure continued right to the final whistle and it was only the desperate lunging of the Wapping keeper that denied Mayes a second shortly after.

The score line certainly flattered Wapping and the ten tired Clacton players deserved a lot more from the game, but certainly left with their heads held high.

Clacton host Saffron Walden next week at Vista road, where they have been unbeaten all season, in a battle to secure third place in the division.