FC CLACTON manager David Coyle admitted being a proud man after his side’s midweek demolition of Brantham Athletic.

The Seasiders won 3-0 in a First Division Knockout Cup tie at the Rush Green Bowl on Tuesday.

Matt Waters, Karl Andrade and Mark White – making his 150th appearance for the club – netted the goals and it was a real tonic, after the disappointment of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Thetford in Ridgeons League division one.

Coyle told the Gazette: “Brantham only had one shot on target throughout the game and that gives some indication of how dominant we were.

“The score definitely gave a fair reflection and, were it not for a few good saves from their goalkeeper, it could have been even more.

“Our overall performance was really good and I couldn’t have asked for more, considering the changes we made and the fact a couple of players were playing out of position.

“To score three goals and keep a clean sheet was excellent against such a good side as Brantham.”

Coyle had spoken before the game about his respect for Athletic, who recently thumped Thetford 8-4.

That put his side’s victory in perspective and he said: “Brantham are a great side.

“I don’t normally like talking about other teams but they’re a cracking outfit.

“They’re a bit inexperienced and will make mistakes and concede goals, but they’ve got so much energy and pace and so many good young players who will always score goals.

“They try and play the right way and are hard but fair. They’ve got some good young players and I genuinely respect them.”

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Ridgeons League premier division strugglers HARWICH AND PARKESTON put up a spirited fight at second-placed Needham Market, losing 2-1.

In the Essex Senior Cup, HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS bowed out after a thrilling 4-3 defeat at home to Chelmsford City. Sam Adejokun scored twice and Liam Coleman once for Swifts, while MALDON TOWN beat Tilbury 3-0.

HALSTEAD TOWN’S tie at home to Harlow was postponed because of a water-logged pitch and has been rearranged for next Tuesday.