STANWAY ROVERS netted twice in the last ten minutes to beat neighbours FC CLACTON 3-1 tonight.

Both sides went into the contest desperate for three points, with the hosts fighting relegation and Rovers keen to enhance their chances of promotion to the Ryman League.

And it was Stanway who secured the spoils thanks to late goals from Jack Smith and Jordan Palmer.

The other two goals had both come in the first ten minutes, during an explosive start.

Stanway were first on the score-sheet when Danny Slatter's deep-kick was fumbled into his own net by Clacton keeper Liam Daniels.

However, the Seasiders were soon on level terms.

Ryan Lowton netted with a thumping header from Kevin Coyle’s free-kick.

Stanway were reduced to ten men in the first half when Jack Cawley was red-carded for a professional foul on Tom Holdstock.

But despite their numerical disadvantage, Angelo Harrop’s side claimed maximum points to keep up the pressure on fellow promotion-chasers Godmanchester Rovers and Hadleigh United.