FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin has challenged his players to make the Rush Green Bowl a “fortress”.

The Seasiders are set to fly the flag for Essex in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division after Stanway Rovers and Saffron Walden were moved sideways by the FA into the Essex Senior League.

Wivenhoe Town will also be competing on a different stage after suffering relegation into Thurlow Nunn League division one south.

It means an absence of derbies next season, with the exception of Brantham Athletic.

And without as many eye-catching fixtures, Austin hopes his players can be strong at home in order to lure more casual followers along to the Rush Green Bowl.

“In some ways, it’s going to be a strange season without playing Stanway and Wivenhoe,” he said.

“It means we’ve only got one derby, against Brantham.

“In many ways it’s a real shame because who doesn’t love a derby?

“They’re always really competitive games and they bring a few fans in.

“But it means that instead, we have to attract people along by being strong at home and making our ground a bit of a fortress.”

Austin hopes his side can challenge for a mid-table finish at least next season.

“That would be progress and give us something to build on,” he said.