FC CLACTON are preparing for one last throw of the dice in terms of their desperate bid to avoid relegation.

The Seasiders were left licking their wounds after a 3-0 Thurlow Nunn League defeat at home to Walsham-le-Willows on Saturday.

They remain second from bottom in the premier division table and still four points adrift of north Essex neighbours Wivenhoe Town.

Now they are preparing for a make-or-break weekend, with a trip to champions-elect Mildenhall Town on Saturday followed by a must-win showdown against the Dragons at the Rush Green Bowl on Easter Monday (both 3pm).

“While I was certainly disappointed by what happened against Walsham, I can’t be too hard on my players and certainly can’t fault their effort,” said Shelley, whose side will only have two games left after Easter - at home to Godmanchester Rovers and away to bottom club Swaffham Town.

“We just have to address this problem of starting games better.

“But we can’t feel sorry for ourselves and now have to look ahead to a busy and crucial few days.

“First we’ve got a very difficult game at Mildenhall.

“On paper, it’s our toughest of the season against the champions, or certainly the team I expect to be champions.

“That said, they’ve lost games this season and I certainly wouldn’t say they’re unbeatable.

“I need a reaction after last weekend and anything we get would be a bonus.

“I’d even take a strong, battling performance in defeat if it sets us up and gives us confidence for the Wivenhoe match.

“Monday is then a massive game and it’s absolutely crucial we get the result we need. It’s must-win.

“The fact it’s a local derby adds extra spice and they know that if they win, they’ll effectively relegate us.

“It would be the final nail in our coffin and would hurt so much, because we’re motivated by pride.

“I still believe we’re a better side than them but it’s all about what happens on the day and who wants it most.”

Clacton are four points behind Wivenhoe, who also have the bonus of a game in hand and a superior goal difference, and seven adrift of fourth-from-bottom Hadleigh United.

At the moment it is unclear how many sides will be relegated and that will only be announced when the league constitution for next season is confirmed.

However, Shelley knows his team will have more chance of a reprieve if they finish third from bottom, as opposed to second from bottom.

And he says his players should also be mindful of the possibility of being leapfrogged by Swaffham, who have 23 points, compared to Clacton’s 25.

“We still want to finish third from bottom, to give ourselves more chance of a reprieve, and the very last thing we want is to be reeled in by Swaffham,” he said.

“We’ve dug our way off the bottom and to drop back there would be a failure.”

Meanwhile, Shelley offered his congratulations to Tendring neighbours Brightlingsea Regent, who were crowned Ryman League division north champions on Saturday.

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Brightlingsea,” he said.

“They’ve worked so hard for their success and it’s a fantastic achievement.

“Well done to them from everyone here at Clacton.”