FC CLACTON warmed up for Monday’s derby against BRANTHAM ATHLETIC with an eye-catching 4-1 victory against fellow top-ten side Walsham-le-Willows.

Karl Andrade was their two-goal hero in Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn League premier division contest, with Jake Clowsley and Adam Hampson also on target at the Rush Green Bowl.

Striker Andrade slotted the hosts in front and soon made it two with a volley that flashed inside the right-hand post.

Walsham pulled one back but it was Clacton who extended their lead just before the break, thanks to an excellent, precise finish from Clowsley.

Hampson then put the cherry on the cake in the closing stages with a flicked header into the net.

Brantham were also at home on Saturday and drew 1-1 at home to Norwich United.

The Imps’ second-half equaliser was an own goal.

The first division south programme got underway on Friday night, with much-improved WIVENHOE TOWN stunning promotion-chasing HALSTEAD TOWN 2-1 at the Milbank Stadium.

Two goals from Aaron Donaldson put the Dragons in the driving seat and although a Jordan Pavett strike halved the deficit, it proved a frustrated night for the Humbugs.

The victory continued Wivenhoe’s revival under manager Gary Monti.

It was their sixth victory from the eight games he has been in charge.

Back to Saturday and there was an exciting game at the Memorial Ground, where LITTLE OAKLEY came from behind twice before losing 3-2 at home to Frenford.

Neighbours HARWICH AND PARKESTON, who host the Acorns on Monday afternoon, slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Benfleet.

COGGESHALL UNITED climbed to second after winning 2-1 at basement boys Fire United while BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT RESERVES came from behind to draw 1-1 at Newbury Forest.

HOLLAND FC, also on their travels, lost 2-0 at Wormley Rovers.

The other game of note saw BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES draw 2-2 at home to the side one place and one point below them in the table - Lopes Tavares.

So who gets the nod as our star performers in the Thurlow Nunn League?

Given their margin of victory against higher-placed opponents, it seems a relatively straightforward decision this week with the accolade going to Tom Austin’s in-form Clacton.