MALDON 3

CLACTON 4

East Men’s League division three south-east

CLACTON’S timing was perfect as they scored their winner in this thrilling, all-action game with just 30 seconds to spare.

The Seasiders dominated the first few minutes, as the home side struggled to get out of their final third.

However, they couldn’t find the touch needed in front of goal to put the result out of reach.

Instead, the home side, from their first adventure into the Clacton half, took the lead and shortly after they doubled their advantage as the Seasiders left their defence and keeper Michael Hook exposed.

Clacton did get one back before the break when Nick Key fired in his third of the season.

However, again, the home side drifted down the pitch and extended their lead to two goals.

With the score 3-1 at half-time, Clacton needed to play more deliberate passes, particularly around the circle, to create better opportunities for the willing running of Stephen Moriarty, Sam Hodge, Elliot Steele and Rik Coleman.

With Shane Walker, Mat Timms, and captain Carl Parkes solid in midfield, and Kieron Parkes providing the defensive screen, Hook kept Clacton in touch with some fine saves.

Sam Jenner and Denzil Donovan provided the width and the pressure started to mount as Clacton began earning short corners.

It was Key again that got the ball rolling for Clacton when he adjusted his body well to let fly with a scorching drag flick that was kept out by a defensive face.

Man-of-the-match Coleman stepped up and despatched the resulting penalty for his third of the season.

Shortly afterwards, it was Key again, from the short corner, but this time he neatly picked out Moriarty on the far post to slot home his fourth of the season and Clacton’s equaliser.

With time running out, it seemed both teams were going to have to settle for a point.

Coleman then smashed the ball from the halfway line towards the home keeper and Steele, on the run and full stretch, deflected the ball into the goal for his sixth of the season to get Clacton out of jail.

They stole all three points in a game they should have had buried early on.

On Saturday, Clacton host high-flying Waltham Forest at Vista Road (2pm).