FC CLACTON made a miserable start to 2016 – crashing to a 4-0 defeat at home to Mildenhall Town.

The Seasiders shipped all four goals during a calamitous first half, in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division contest at the Rush Green Bowl.

And although the second period finished all-square, the damage had already been done.

Clacton fell behind in the first few minutes.

Mildenhall capitalised on a misplaced pass and when the ball was fed in from the left, Dan Brown had the simple task of converting past goalkeeper Joe Fowler.

Brown soon added a second, after a mistake by Fowler.

And when Matt Green netted a spectacular third, volleying home from close range after a great cross from deep on the right, the writing was on the wall.

Brown then scored a fourth before the break, converting from close range, to complete his hat-trick.

That was the end of the scoring but the damage could have been worse for Clacton, who stay 14th, were it not for three good saves from Fowler.

STANWAY ROVERS’ eight-game winning run in the league came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Newmarket.

They came from behind twice but missed chances to claim maximum points.

Jordan Palmer and top-scorer Jamie Shaw, who scored a hat-trick in last Monday’s 4-2 win at Clacton, were on target for Angelo Harrop’s side.

Stanway stay third in the table, two points ahead of Godmanchester Rovers and six behind Felixstowe & Walton.

BRANTHAM ATHLETIC, in tenth, drew 0-0 at home to Haverhill Rovers.

In division one, HALSTEAD TOWN took an early lead in their match at Woodbridge when Ricky Spriggs netted from Jordan Hutchings’ corner.

However, the hosts equalised and then nosed in front before half-time.

The Woodpeckers made it 3-1 after the break before Hutchings reduced the arrears, after great work from Sam Cripps.

However, the hosts added a late fourth from long range before Hutchings was shown a straight red card, to complete a disappointing afternoon for the Humbugs.

BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES won 4-2 at Cornard United.

Leaders WIVENHOE TOWN were left inactive following the postponement of their match at Team Bury.

The game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, following an inspection.