FC CLACTON slumped to a bitterly disappointing 3-0 defeat against Hadleigh United, in their Friday night fixture at the Rush Green Bowl.

The Seasiders had the chance to go eighth in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division, leapfrogging Long Melford.

Instead, they produced a performance to forget and their evening got off to the worst possible start when they conceded after just eight minutes.

Hadleigh then added their second early in the second half, before making it three from the penalty spot, shortly after the hour-mark.

To compound matters, Lee Townrow was sent off early in the second half for a second booking.

Promotion-chasing HALSTEAD TOWN were also in action on Friday night.

They entertained AFC Sudbury Reserves in a first division contest and won 2-0.

Both goals came in the second half.

Ryan Weaver scored the first, with a great individual effort.

Substitute Jordan Hutchings then doubled the Humbugs’ lead.

Had Halstead lost, leaders Wivenhoe Town would have been promoted as they would have been assured of a top-three finish.