FC Clacton have been dealt a blow with the news Matt Waters faces a fortnight on the sidelines.

The Seasiders winger has been in top goal-scoring form this season – taking his tally to 20 with another spectacular free-kick during Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Diss Town.

However, his afternoon was marred by an ankle injury which means he faces a short spell on the sidelines.

It means he is certainly out of tonight’s rearranged Essex Senior Cup fourth round date with Wivenhoe Town.

“Matt’s going to be out for a couple of weeks, which is a massive blow,” confirmed Clacton boss David Coyle.

“He’s been in brilliant form and scored another great free-kick at the weekend.

“There’s no point dressing it up as anything other than a blow, but at least it will give other players in his position a chance to come and show me they’re worthy of a start.”

Clacton will also have to do without Gareth Gibson, who is suspended, and the cup-tied Kevin Coyle, who played in a previous round during his time at Wivenhoe.

Lee Peacock, a 17-year-old defender who has joined the club from Harwich and Parkeston, will be drafted into the Seasiders’ squad.

Coyle admitted having mixed feelings after Saturday’s draw with Diss at the Rush Green Bowl.

Sean Hillier, with a brace, and Waters accounted for their goals and the Clacton boss said: “In one way it was pleasing, because we came back to get a point after being 3-1 down.

“But in another, having got level with half an hour left, the boys were pretty disappointed not to win.

“They went so close to forcing a winner, hitting the bar and having two shots cleared off the line.

“Then one of the Diss full-backs made a brilliant save – handling the ball clear – but the referee didn’t give a penalty.”

Both Clacton and Wivenhoe will be hoping tonight’s game goes ahead, having been postponed because of a water-logged pitch last Tuesday.

“We should be fine for tonight – assuming no rain falls between now and kick-off and none is forecast,” said Coyle.

“The pitch won’t be perfect but so many people do a tireless job working on it. Hopefully their efforts will be rewarded.”