FC CLACTON boss David Coyle felt his players did the club proud after a heroic performance in their FA Vase tie at AFC Dunstable.

The Seasiders eventually suffered disappointment in the first-round tie, conceding twice in extra-time to lose 2-0.

However, prior to that they had more than held their own against a side sitting top of the Spartan South Midlands League.

“In the end, Dunstable’s quality probably told,” said Coyle.

“They got on top and we ran out of legs in extra-time.

“But it was no disgrace as we lost to the best-ranked team (at the first-round stage) in the tournament.

“They’ve won 11 and drawn two in their league and yet after 90 minutes we held them to a 0-0 draw.

“We’d be going home with a point had it been a league game.

“It would have been the equivalent of drawing at (Thurlow Nunn League leaders) Norwich United, which would be an amazing result.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more from my players.

“They worked their socks off and the boys did me and the club proud.

“We played some really good stuff, passed the ball well and created a couple of half-decent opportunities against a very good side.

“The players couldn’t do anything more.

“We lost and that’s sport. Someone wins and someone loses.

“But I can’t question any of my players’ effort and if we keep playing with that quality, and defend that well, we’ll finish higher in our league than even I thought possible.

“We’ll beat some good sides and that type of performance is what I know we’re capable of.”

Coyle said the opening goal, four minutes into the first period of extra-time, knocked the stuffing out of his players.

But he admitted feeling frustrated that the sides had to play an additional 30 minutes.

He felt that having worked so hard to keep it goal-less, the tie should have gone straight to a replay at the Rush Green Bowl.

“It frustrates me that they get the home draw and an extra 30 minutes,” he said.

“For me, extra-time should only be played after a replay, as it is in any other cup competition.

“It would have made then travel from here and I know half their players would have been unavailable.

“That would have made such a difference and would have given us a better chance but it’s a competition rule and it is what it is. Good luck to them.”