The new East League division three south east season began brightly for Phoenix with a hard-fought win over a typically resolute Clacton side.

It was a new look home side in a few areas.

Coach Neil Cowen, former architect of a noted Thurrock revival a few years ago, was on the side line, Carl Wright was back in goal and with university claiming top striker Ben Bruce Smith, a new central pairing was also on show.

A cagey start saw both sides putting the feelers out, but Clacton were direct in attack and well organised at the back, while Phoenix had the legs on the wings but found it difficult to convert the channels into meaningful chances.

Both styles then brought goals in quick succession at the end of the half.

Clacton opened up a slot in the area and fired a searing ball in, which deflected into the corner and then a fine counter-attack saw Phoenix’s movement up front prove too strong and Sam Marlborough scored with an improvised reverse-stick strike. The second half then saw the tempo increase and both sides threaten.

Clacton won a number of penalty corners through forceful but clever play and Phoenix were ever dangerous on the counter.

In truth, the visitors wasted the chances they had and, for all their corners, Wright wasn’t troubled often enough.

Phoenix however, were clinical with the chances they had.

Forwards Kevin Cox and Andy Luxton worked well in tandem and, supported by their wing backs, were in behind too often for Clacton to keep out of trouble.

It was Luxton who netted the second when an incisive move opened the game on the right side and then a sharp one-two saw Cox deliver the winner.