Pictures: Rob Smith (RJS Photography)

FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin felt his players produced an encouraging display in their pre-season friendly against Little Oakley.

The Seasiders ran out 4-3 winners after an exciting contest at the Memorial Ground on Saturday.

Jake Clowsley netted twice and he was joined on the scoresheet by Jack Clampin and Charlie Thompson.

It was a great workout for Austin's men, who continue their preparations for the new Thurlow Nunn League premier division campaign with friendlies against Stanway Pegasus on Thursday and Wivenhoe Town on Saturday.

Both matches are being played at the Philip Morant School and College, in Rembrandt Way, Colchester.

"It was a decent game at Oakley," said Austin, who was without summer signing Mekhi McKenzie, who has joined on a season-long loan from AFC Sudbury.

"We were in a strong position before making changes and letting them back in the game in the last half-hour.

"We played well after a sluggish start in the first 20 minutes.

"You can see we're trying to play football, rather than lumping it long.

"We're getting the ball out wide and trying to get deliveries into the box.

"It was pleasing and nice to start with a few goals and a win, although scorelines are almost irrelevant at this stage.

"It's more about players getting game-time and back in the swing of a matchday scenario."

After going behind after 16 minutes, the Seasiders led 3-1 at the break thanks to quickfire goals from Clampin and Clowsley, followed by a late third from Thompson.

Clowsley made it four very early in the second half before the hosts pulled back two more goals.

Oakley's goals were scored by Luke Mayhew, Lewis Wood and Greg Rodger.

Saturday's match was Clacton's second pre-season friendly, coming hot on the heels of last Tuesday's 2-1 victory at Essex and Suffolk Border League side West Bergholt.

Sam Thompson and Clowsley were on target with first-half goals at the Lorkin Daniel Field.

After their next two games against Pegasus (a 7.30pm kick-off) and Wivenhoe (3pm), Clacton play their opening home friendly at the Rush Green Bowl next Tuesday.

Coggeshall Town, of Isthmian League division north, are the visitors in a 7.45pm kick-off.

After that the Seasiders travel to Heybridge Swifts (July 20) before home friendlies against Brightlingsea Regent (July 23), Romford (July 27) and Colne Athletic (July 30).

Clacton's reserves played their first friendly against CO4 Ultras, at Plough Corner, on Wednesday.

It finished goalless.

Next up they visit Holland FC's reserves on Saturday.