FC CLACTON boss Kieron Shelley felt his side deserved much more from their 3-2 home defeat to Halstead Town, writes JOSEPH BROWN.
The Seasiders battled back twice in the Essex Senior League clash, only to slide to defeat at the Rush Green Bowl.
Shelley said: "I felt the boys gave everything and for large spells dominated the game.
"Halstead are a good side and on the day took their chances really well and were in the right places at the right time.
"Other than the opening 15 minutes of the game, I always felt as if we would take something from the game but unfortunately today, as in recent weeks, we’ve not quite been able to finish things off or take home what we deserve, that’s football at the end of the day.
"I would like to praise the group that have in the last three months given everything on the pitch for the club; only a couple of times have I left on a Saturday thinking we were out of our depth or disappointed.
"I honestly believe certain decisions and things in games have cost us and the group could easily be sitting on seven or eight wins.
"Sometimes, it’s just not meant to be.
"The team will continue to give everything in the last four games and we hope to have more people over to support us.
"Thank you to fans that come over and try and encourage the boys, week in and week out."
Halstead took the lead within the opening ten minutes.
They took a short corner before whipping the ball towards the near post, where Joel Older rose highest to head into the back of the net.
But FC Clacton eventually equalised when Stuart Zanone stepped up and struck a beautiful free-kick into the top right corner.
The second half began with FC Clacton immediately pressing for another goal, with Zanone's audacious attempt from more than 40 yards narrowly missing the target.
But despite the Seasiders' strong start to the second half, Halstead regained the lead from a free-kick.
The initial shot was saved by the goalkeeper but while he was still grounded, the rebound was tucked away by George Frodsham.
Luwa Luwabelwa sent his shot just wide when unmarked while Zanone shot straight at the goalkeeper, before FC Clacton’s persistence finally paid off in the 70th minute.
A long ball from defence found Luwabelwa, who controlled it before playing it low into the path of Ikwuegbu.
The forward made no mistake, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to equalise.
However, with ten minutes remaining, Halstead struck their winner.
After working the ball down the right flank, a cross deflected off a FC
Clacton defender and looped over the goalkeeper before being converted by Cleal.
Clacton desperately searched for a third equaliser, with Harry Johnson's effort narrowly missed the top right corner and Button's deflected effort going just over, as Halstead claimed victory.
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