FC CLACTON boss David Coyle believes his side have to match the “unity and togetherness” of tonight’s derby hosts, WIVENHOE TOWN.

The sides are set to do battle in a crucial Thurlow Nunn League premier division encounter, at the Maple Tree Cars Stadium.

Just two points and one place separate the sides.

And Coyle believes his players have to present a united front if they are to get a positive result.

“The Wivenhoe boys are a very together group and they work hard for each other,” said Coyle.

“That’s why every game they play is usually quite tight.

“They don’t suffer too many heavy defeats and we’ve got match them in terms of that unity.

“We’ve got to show the same levels of effort and energy.”

Clacton have lost their last five games but Coyle can see definite improvements in terms of performance, especially in Saturday’s 2-0 loss at home to Whitton United.

Two goals in quick succession shortly before half-time ruined their chances of a positive result, despite having had the best of the first half.

“I’m confident that if we play anything like we did at the weekend we’ll be fine,” said Coyle.

“If we play anything like we did in the second half last week (against Ipswich Wanderers) we’ll be fine and if we defend anything like we did against Fakenham (the weekend before) we’ll be fine. We’re not doing that badly.

“In three of the last four halves of football we’ve been on top, yet we’ve scored one and conceded seven.

“We just need to take the opportunities that come our way at one end and defend properly at the other.

“If we could get a positive result tonight, our levels of belief would go through the roof.

“Everyone knows we’re a good side.

“It’s just not happening at the moment but I think it will. I honestly do.

“We’ll beat someone out of nowhere and it would be brilliant for that to happen tonight.”

Coyle will be without James Dunkley, Charlie Thompson, Wayne Chapman and Kevin Coyle, who suffered a head injury on Saturday.

However, Matt Waters should recover from a minor knock in time to play.