AFC DUNSTABLE 2

FC CLACTON 0

FA Vase first-round proper

(After extra-time)

FC CLACTON produced a heroic performance but eventually succumbed to two goals in extra-time.

The Seasiders more than held their own against unbeaten opposition riding high at the top of the Spartan South Midlands League.

However, two goals in the first period of extra-time saw their Vase adventure end in heart-breaking fashion at Creasey Park.

BJ Christie netted the first, racing on to a long ball and lifting it over goalkeeper and Clacton man-of-the-match Luke Avenell.

Leon Cashman then added a second, burying a rebound after another shot had been well-blocked by the Seasiders keeper.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for David Coyle’s side and also the first goals they have conceded in this season’s Vase campaign, after 2-0 and 7-0 victories.

It had been a case of so far, so good for the visitors at half-time.

They made an encouraging start and Jack Clampin fired over after great work by Billy Wales and Jordan Brazitis.

Brazitis then had the best chance of the half but fired inches over the bar after Kevin Coyle’s long throw caused chaos in the Dunstable box.

The Seasiders refused to let their hosts settle but there was a major scare midway through the half when a free-kick was smothered by Avenell.

It then appeared to be knocked out of his hands and poked into the net – but the goal was disallowed for a foul.

Dunstable’s Josh Humbert also saw a low effort deflected narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

Clacton continued to impress in the second half, playing with real intensity.

Charlie Thompson sent a long throw into the box and it led to a scramble, but no-one was able to apply a finishing touch.

Dunstable then saw a low, long-range effort flash agonisingly wide of the left-hand post.

The hosts went even closer in the last couple of minutes – only to twice be denied by Clacton hero Avenell.

First he raced out and made a vital block, when one of the home players found himself in on goal.

Then he dived full length to brilliantly tip over a long-range effort, in the process sending the tie into extra-time.