FC Clacton v Colchester Athletic Reds

After two below par performances Athletic put on one of their best footballing performances of the season.

From the off 'The Reds' swarmed forward, creating numerous chances following good passing football. J.Hocken, playing at right back for the first time this season, linked up particuary well with C.Bain to give the Clacton of left side plenty to try and deal with.

On 16 minutes the boys were finally rewarded when a good pass by W.Sainsbury over the top of the Clacton defence, was chased down by N.McKenzie who challenged the goalkeeper. The unfortunate keeper could only punch the ball against McKenzie's head and Niall bravely followed up to score and give Athletic a deserved lead.

Athletic continued to look to pass the ball and spread the play in the wide areas leaving Clacton chasing shadows. The few times Clacton did get forward they found S.Kilgallen and J.Matthews too strong and behind them J.Scott dealt with any long balls over the top with ease.

Colchester finally got their second goal in the final minute of the first half. Sub M.Moynihan linked up well with C.Bain, who sent a superb cross over which was met at the back post (WITH HIS HEAD!!!) by J.Gillingham for his first goal of the season.

Half time - FC Clacton 0-2 Colchester Athetic Reds

The second half did not produce any further goals but Athletic still looked in control and were unlucky on a number of occasions not to add to their tally and improve the goal difference.

T.Wade came close on two occasions, the first he got through on goal and hit a powerful shot which flew narrowly past the post. The second chance came after good work by Man of the Match, W.Parker-Wilson, who played a ball across goal but just a bit too far in front of Wade.

In the final 10 minutes Clacton had a couple of half chances but good defending from the defence, marshalled well by I.Chapman, prevented any further opportunities.

Full time - FC Clacton 0-2 Colchester Athetic Reds

Manager Comment

One of our best performances of the season in terms of playing good passing football and exploiting the wide areas, was rewarded with a comfortable victory and for the second week running flattered Clacton. Lets hope we can build on this performance and improve further over the next few weeks - we have some tough games coming up, starting this Sunday when we play our old rivals Layer Colts who will look for revenge following our narrow 1-0 victory back in October. Well done boys keep up the hard work...