FC CLACTON striker Keiron Baker insists his club have the belief and ability to stay up this season and then prosper next term.

The front man is on loan from Ryman League neighbours Brightlingsea Regent and was in the starting line-up for Saturday’s vital 2-0 victory against Kirkley and Pakefield, at the Rush Green Bowl.

It moved the Seasiders - second from bottom in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division - to within three points of Wivenhoe Town, who lost 4-1 at home to Walsham-le-Willows.

And it breathed fresh life into the club’s hopes of dramatically avoiding relegation this season.

“Everyone was jumping around cheering afterwards,” said Baker.

“It just shows how much passion there is in the dressing room and how determined everyone is to keep the club up.

“We’re enjoying the fight and we’re really looking forward to our remaining games, especially the match against Wivenhoe on Easter Monday.

“That’s going to be massive and we’ve got the ability and belief in our team to go on and do it (avoid relegation) now. It would be amazing.”

Late goals from Kevin Coyle and Jamie Beecham secured three crucial points on Saturday.

The opening goal came with just six minutes remaining, when referee Matt Morrison pointed to the spot after Jake Clowsley was fouled as he attempted to latch onto Coyle’s pass.

Coyle himself dispatched the penalty, to the right of Kirkley keeper Luis Tibbles.

The victory was then confirmed in stoppage time.

Substitute Beecham fired home at the far post, after a scramble in the penalty area had seen the ball land at his feet.

“It was a battle, especially in midfield, and one that could have gone either way,” said Baker, who was struggling with a shin injury and had to be replaced by Sam Cripps.

“Kirkley had an amazing chance when one of their players missed an open goal.

“It was a real turning point and gave us even more belief.

“We had two or three chances after that and scored the goals we needed.

“Our penalty was a lucky one, in my eyes.

“It was dubious because the ball was going out of play but I’m certainly not knocking it, because the ref gave it and Kev scored.”

Clacton have five matches still to play, including that home showdown against Wivenhoe on Easter Monday.

However, they now have a three-week break from league action, with their next match at home to Walsham-le-Willows on Saturday, April 8.

Clacton’s reserves had no game last weekend and do not play this Saturday either.

The club’s under-18s have a Thurlow Nunn Youth League south division match at home to Brantham Athletic tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).