FC CLACTON came within a whisker of claiming the division one title – only to be denied by Great Yarmouth's late winner at Whitton.

The Seasiders were on target to finish top of the table after thumping Diss 5-2 at the Rush Green Bowl on Saturday.

But in order to claim their prize, they needed Yarmouth to slip up and drop points across the Suffolk border.

The Norfolk side were drawing with seconds to go but, deep in stoppage time, snatched a last-gasp winner to run out 3-2 victors.

It meant Clacton had to be content with runners-up position and boss David Coyle told the Gazette: “It was so disappointing, given what happened at Whitton.

“The boys were gutted but we've got a lot to be proud of – finishing second in the league, scoring 117 goals and conceding just 40 in 36 games.

“We went through the whole season unbeaten at home and only lost two games, to the teams who finished fourth and fifth (Gorleston and Diss).

“That's an unbelievable achievement and even if we hadn't finished in the top three you'd look at that and think 'that's a serious effort'.”

Clacton needed to win to stand any chance of claiming the title and stuck to their side of the bargain in a thrilling contest at the Bowl.

The visitors led twice in a pulsating first half, before the sides went in level at 2-2.

Chris Ribchester fired Clacton's first leveller, hooking home after a long throw by Dan Smith.

Matt Waters then restored parity again with a stunning free-kick from deep on the left that sailed under the bar.

Clacton nosed in front within a minute of the re-start through Waters.

And the Seasiders danger man was involved in both the fourth and fifth goals, engineering shooting opportunities for Karl Andrade and Kevin Coyle.