FC CLACTON boss Kieron Shelley insists his team are not downhearted despite their home defeat to Hullbridge Sports, writes JOSEPH BROWN.
The Seasiders lost the Essex Senior League clash 3-2 at the Rush Green Bowl, to remain bottom of the table.
Shelley said: "I thought we showed real togetherness today on the pitch and showed that the players are not ready to roll over and accept the position we’re in.
"We took the game to Hullbridge and we were the better side for large periods.
"A few questionable decisions seemed to go against us and of course a little bad luck.
"Hullbridge are in a very similar position to ourselves, so we knew that this would be an open game!
"Unfortunately, the bravest side doesn’t always take the points.
"The group is disappointed but not downhearted - we take all the positives from this performance.
"It would be great to keep raising the attendance numbers and getting behind the side - thank you to the 70 plus that attended."
FC Clacton produced some impressive link-up play and composure, early on.
Their pressure paid off with an early chance when Idreess Namisi found himself through on goal after a defensive slip, but his shot narrowly clipped a post.
Hullbridge responded with a close-range effort, but FC Clacton’s keeper stood strong to deny the attempt.
The visitors went ahead when they capitalised on a counter down the right wing and although Cameron Button blocked the initial shot, the rebound was slotted home.
FC Clacton quickly pushed for an equaliser, with a powerful free-kick forcing the Hullbridge keeper to make a fingertip save.
Their persistence paid off when a corner fell to Harry Harvey, who made no mistake to find the back of the net.
There was controversy when FC Clacton’s Freddie Barnes was fouled, but Hullbridge were awarded the free-kick.
And the visitors regained their lead through Mechack Asuka, who controlled a corner on his chest and calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner.
As tensions grew, both teams traded chances.
Hullbridge had a goal ruled out for offside, leading to a booking for dissent, while Clacton’s Namisi was also cautioned for a late challenge.
Despite Clacton’s growing pressure, the first half ended with Hullbridge holding onto their slender advantage, though the Seasiders had been the more dangerous and composed side.
FC Clacton dominated the second half, demonstrating control and creativity.
A collision between Arion Svarqa and Hullbridge’s Mechack Asuka led to the Seasiders player being booked, despite the challenge appearing 50/50.
And against the run of play, Hullbridge extended their lead when Iziah Antoine finished a well-placed cross from the right.
FC Clacton didn’t let up and after a strong build-up, Remy Newell Barnard appeared to be fouled in the box, but the referee waved away the penalty appeals.
The Seasiders pulled a goal back through Harry Johnson, whose precise header made it 3-2 with roughly 15 minutes left.
The hosts continued to press with long-range efforts and well-constructed plays but as time dwindled, FC Clacton’s frustration grew.
They were denied multiple free-kick opportunities near the edge of the box but Hullbridge held firm, to claim victory.
Harry Harvey was FC Clacton's man of the match for his equaliser, defensive contributions and on-field presence.
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