Saffron Walden 0, FC Clacton 3 A THIRD consecutive defeat in the Ridgeons League First Division on Saturday dealt another blow to the Bloods confidence. Despite having much of the possession, Saffron Walden could not convert their chances in fron

Saffron Walden 0, FC Clacton 3

A THIRD consecutive defeat in the Ridgeons League First Division on Saturday dealt another blow to the Bloods' confidence.

Despite having much of the possession, Saffron Walden could not convert their chances in front of goal and were beaten 3-0 by FC Clacton at Catons Lane.

Assistant manager John Butchart said the game was "frustrating" because the scoreline did not reflect the performance, but said spirits in the Walden camp were still high.

"There's a lot we can take from the game," said Butchart. "We had some youngsters on the pitch and mistakes were made by players not tracking back to pick up their markers, but they will learn from it.

"Clacton have got some good strikers and you only get one chance to defend a ball or they will punish you. Two of the goals we conceded were silly mistakes that shouldn't have happened - we were caught cold."

Clacton got an early goal after seven minutes when they hit Walden on the break and James Dunkley's pass split the home defence to set up Sean Hillier with the easiest of chances.

Greg Strong tried to level for Walden, but his strike skimmed the crossbar. Minutes later Kevin Riley set Brad Green free to shoot into the arms of Clacton keeper Craig Rulton.

In the second half Walden started to get into their stride and some good link-up play between Strong and Green created a golden opportunity which skimmed the far post.

In the final quarter of the match Clacton doubled their lead when James Dunkley's cross deflected off a Walden defender and past a stranded Dave Pledger in the Walden goal.

Clacton wrapped up a bad afternoon for the Bloods when Lee Barret latched on to a loose ball and tucked it away.

Walden will be pleased with new signing Jason Mannion who showed promise in defence and Joe Murphy looked lively in midfield.

n The Bloods' next league match is away to Swaffham Town on Saturday.

n Walden's match against CRC in the Challenge Cup, due to be played at Catons Lane on Tuesday night, was postponed.

Assistant manager John Butchart said: "The ref came down and had a look at the pitch at lunchtime and called the game off because it was too wet. It had been raining all night and the water wouldn't have drained off in time for the evening."

The match will now be played on Tuesday December 16.