FC CLACTON assistant boss Mike Wallace has urged his players to put their Essex Senior Cup dejection behind them and refocus ahead of three tricky Thurlow Nunn League fixtures.

The Seasiders lost 1-0 at home to Southend Manor in Tuesday’s second-round tie at the Rush Green Bowl.

The visitors scored the only goal just before half-time and, to compound their frustration, Kevin Coyle had a goal controversially chalked off for a foul and Clacton had penalty appeals waved away following a foul on Harry McDonald.

Wallace admitted it was bitterly disappointed but said the players must “get it out of their systems” as soon as possible, ahead of a crunch premier division fixture at Newmarket Town on Saturday.

They then host Stowmarket Town next Tuesday and Wroxham on Saturday week.

“Much as we wanted a cup run, I’d rather lose in the cup and win at the weekend,” said Wallace.

“That’s always been our focus and if you gave me a choice, I’d certainly take the league points.

“Southend Manor were beatable so it’s very frustrating but now we need to get the result out of our system as soon as possible.

“We really wanted a run in the Essex Senior Cup but in terms of our focus and team selection, we always had an eye on those matches against Newmarket, Stowmarket and Wroxham.

“They’re three title contenders and it’s going to be a big challenge.

“It’s a hard run of games but we’ve got nothing to fear.

“We didn’t pick up any fresh injuries in the week and there were still positives, despite losing.

“I can’t knock the players and in addition to creating chances, we’ve also tightened up defensively, keeping clean sheets against Ipswich Wanderers and Long Melford and only conceding in extra time against Coggeshall (in the FA Vase).”

Clacton shuffled their pack for Tuesday’s tie.

Skipper Wayne Chapman and Terry Rymer were on the bench but there were starting roles for the likes of Luke Watts and McDonald.

“We had to rotate our squad and that’s why we left out Wayne and Terry,” explained Wallace.

“The boys that came in worked hard and did what we asked of them. It’s a good squad and there’s strong competition for places.”

“We’ve given players who needed minutes time on the pitch and some of them have given us some thinking to do before Saturday.