FC CLACTON boss David Coyle is challenging his players to defy the odds in today’s mouth-watering derby against STANWAY ROVERS.

The sides are set to meet in a Thurlow Nunn League premier division contest at the Rush Green Bowl (kick-off 3pm).

Coyle admits his team are rank outsiders, given the quality and experience within the Stanway ranks.

And while sarcastically admitting his own team have “no chance”, he wants them to prove him wrong and cause an upset.

“On paper, we’ve got no chance of competing with them,” he said.

“They should win comfortably.

“Stanway have gone 14 games unbeaten, they’re pushing for promotion and they’re through to the last 32 of a national competition (the FA Vase).

“They’re better equipped financially and they’ve got personnel who have either been involved or are pushing to be involved in the professional game.

“(Ex-Clacton boss) Ray Turner alone must have scored more goals at this level than our starting line-up put together.

“And Karl Duguid has played more professional games than my team have non-league matches.

“On top of that, they’ve taken first-choice players from our squad who aren’t even getting in their team.

“Having said that, all the pressure is on Stanway.

“Everyone will be expecting them to roll us over and I’m sure they’ll be disappointed if they don’t win by three or four goals.

“They’re pushing for promotion for a reason and we’re near the bottom for a reason.

“We’re up against it and I’m only being realistic.”

Today’s game is the third meeting of the season between the sides, with Stanway having won 2-1 in the league and 4-1 in the Vase.

Rovers boss Angelo Harrop complimented the Seasiders after those early-season encounters and is looking forward to coming up against Coyle’s Clacton.

The two managers are long-time friends.

“David and I know each other well and he’ll have his team fired up,” said Harrop, whose side are through to the last 32 of the FA Vase.

“We’re enjoying our Vase run but our only priority at the moment is Clacton.

“We’ve got three games left before Christmas and we’d love to win them all.”