FC CLACTON experienced a frustrating afternoon after losing 3-1 to Takeley in the Essex Senior League, writes JOSEPH BROWN.
Despite the result, the relegated Seasiders showed resilience and determination particularly in the second half but ultimately, couldn’t overturn a two-goal deficit.
FC Clacton fell behind after just seven minutes.
A dangerous ball was whipped into the box and although the initial cross was headed away, it fell kindly to George Powell who fired home from the edge of the area.
Four minutes later, the hosts fell further behind.
A sharp pass down the left flank found Lanre Balogun, who burst into the box at pace.
With composed vision, he cut the ball back across the face of goal for Olly Miles to tap in from close range.
FC Clacton goalkeeper Michael Bett pulled off a brilliant save to deny Coby Miles and then made another fine stop, after the break.
The Seasiders went also went close when Pjetra's curling effort from the left was heading for the top right corner before it was dramatically cleared off the line.
FC Clacton eventually got back into the game with 13 minutes left when Glori Longi slotted home a penalty, awarded after Luwa Luwabelwa's effort was handled in the box.
Spurred on by the goal and an energised crowd, FC Clacton looked like a team on a mission and in contrast, the visitors began to lose their grip.
Unfortunately for FC Clacton, just as they looked like equalising, a late sucker punch came.
In the final moments of the match, Takeley broke forward and Jack Mitchell found space on the edge of the box and tucked the ball low into the bottom left corner.
It sealed victory for the away side with what was likely their only real chance in the final 15 minutes.
It was an unfortunate and undeserved result for FC Clacton, who dominated large spells of the second half and looked the more threatening side throughout the final 45 minutes.
Despite falling two goals behind early on, they showed real fight and resilience, creating a number of promising chances and pushing Takeley back.
Their determination, character and attacking intent were clear to see and it was only Takeley’s clinical finishing at key moments that ultimately proved the difference.
FC Clacton can learn from this display, heading into their final game of the season at home to Athletic Newham, on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Michael Bett was named FC Clacton LIT Fibre man of the match.
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