HAT-TRICK hero Jason Joseph is in no doubt that FC Clacton can push on in 2017.

The Seasiders have breathed fresh life into their season after completing back-to-back Thurlow Nunn League wins.

They followed up their victory against Long Melford with a 4-2 success against Ely City at the Rush Green Bowl on Saturday.

And it was Paratrooper Joseph who did the damage, plundering a hat-trick after Michael Brothers' opener.

“I’m really enjoying it over here," said the former Colbayns High School student.

“I’ve settled in – the hat-trick certainly helped – and this was my first start up front.

“I was in central midfield for my first game and then came on a sub in the second.

“This was my first time up front and I was pleased to show what I can do.

“It’s good to be playing again and it’s a good bunch at Clacton.

“The squad is better than the league position suggests and we’ll definitely push on.

“I’m confident we’ll be off the bottom soon."

Joseph's second goal - Clacton's third - was particularly memorable as he sped past an Ely opponent and chipped the keeper from 30 yards.

“It was a great feeling to score a hat-trick and I was especially pleased with that goal," said the 30-year-old.

“I pushed the ball past one of their players and could see the keeper was off his line.

“I thought I’d have a pop at goal and thankfully it went in.

“I’ve scored hat-tricks before but not at this level of football.

“My strength and power is a big attribute, but I’m also quicker than people think.

“People assume I’m going to be slow, because of my weight, but hopefully I can catch people out."

Clacton now have 11 points and are level with second-from-bottom Swaffham Town, who won 3-1 against Brantham Athletic on Saturday.

The Seasiders have also played two games more.

Kieron Shelley's side will now be determined to end their year on a high, by making it three straight wins when they head to Wivenhoe Town on Saturday.

Wayne Blackman, Kyelan Marvell, Josh Vaughan and Garry Machin, who were all unavailable last week, return to the squad and the Seasiders will be keen to inflict more misery on a Dragons team that have not won since October 1.

Clacton's first game of 2017 is against Haverhill Rovers, back at the Bowl, on January 2 (kick-off 3pm).