FC CLACTON manager David Coyle has sung the praises of brother Kevin, after the Seasiders hero scored another “freak” goal in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory at Newmarket Town.

He netted from the edge of the centre circle to give his side a dream start in their Thurlow Nunn League premier division contest.

An own goal then doubled the lead and secured three more points – and a third straight victory.

Afterwards David hailed his brother as one of the best, cleanest strikers of a ball in the league.

“Kev scores a goal-of-the-season contender every year and this was in that bracket, because he brought the ball out of the sky and volleyed it in from 40 yards,” he said.

“It was another freak goal.

“He takes on shots that other players wouldn’t even consider – it would take most others two touches just to get control of the ball.

“He strikes a ball so cleanly, with both his right and left foot, and that’s his stand-out attribute.

“In that respect, there are very few others in the league who can match him.

“I’m not saying that makes him a better all-round player, but he’s certainly one of the best when it comes to hitting a ball hard and cleanly.”

Kevin had been filling in as a centre-half, due to the club’s lack of defensive options.

However, Lee Townrow recently joined after leaving Heybridge Swifts and it is no coincidence that the team have kept two clean sheets in their last three games.

“Lee’s been great,” said David Coyle.

“He’s done his bit by defending well and helping others improve, saying what needs to be said at the right times.

“And it’s also had a very positive effect at the other end of the pitch.

“Kevin has moved forward again, scored two goals and set up others – something he wouldn’t have been able to do if he’d been playing at centre-half.”

The Newmarket win was Clacton’s third in a row, following last Tuesday’s 3-0 success at Haverhill and a 5-1 rout at lowly Fakenham on Saturday.

“Tuesday night was the most pleasing of the three wins,” said boss Coyle.

“Newmarket were a lively side, with pace and quality in midfield.

“However, overall, we played well enough to deserve our win.

“Keeping another clean sheet was a real positive and, on a better pitch, we might have scored two or three more goals.

“I was very pleased with the result and we looked a hard-working, enthusiastic, energetic young team, which bodes very well.”

Wayne Chapman, Kevin Coyle, Townrow and Aaron Condon (two) were on target at Fakenham.

Meanwhile, Clacton’s reserves suffered a 2-1 defeat against Little Oakley A, in Essex and Suffolk Border League division two on Saturday. Ash Avent scored the Seasiders’ goal.

The under-21s were left without a game.