FC CLACTON new-boy Michael Brothers says keeping his side up this season would be on a par with the achievement of winning championship medals.

The highly-experienced front man – who signalled his arrival with a goal on his debut in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Ipswich Wanderers – has won the Thurlow Nunn League with Leiston and the Ryman League division one north title with both Leiston and Needham Market.

Now he is steeling himself for a very different challenge, with the bottom-of-the-table Seasiders.

However, Brothers sees no reason why the club cannot clamber to safety and says such a feat would represent one of his biggest feats in non-league football.

“Those title successes were real highlights, but keeping Clacton up would be on a par with either achievement,” said the 31-year-old former Harwich and Parkeston, Wivenhoe Town, Stanway Rovers and Brightlingsea Regent man.

“It would be a totally different scenario, but in terms of accomplishing something I think it would feel the same.

“It would be very special and I know how much we’d celebrate.

“I’m really up for it and Saturday was the most enjoyable game I’ve had for a while, even though it’s totally different to the Ryman League.

“I’m confident I’ll score goals and was impressed with the number of chances the boys created.

“I had three really good ones and a half-chance and overall we must have produced eight to ten half-decent opportunities.

“There were lots of positives and the next couple of months are going to be key. If we can pick up a few wins, there’s no reason why we can’t get out of trouble.

“It’s a tight squad and a good bunch of lads, with real belief that they can keep the team up.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I turned up for the first time and wondered if the boys might almost have their heads in their hands before a ball was kicked.

“But that wasn’t the case at all.

“At face value, Clacton may be rock bottom and in a bit of trouble but everyone feels confident that the situation will change soon.”

Saturday’s draw stopped the rot after 15 defeats from 15 games.

It was Clacton’s first point and gives them a platform heading into tomorrow’s premier division trip to Gorleston.

Elsewhere, title-chasing STANWAY ROVERS are at home to Ely City while WIVENHOE TOWN are also at home, against Haverhill Rovers.

BRANTHAM ATHLETIC make the long trip to Fakenham Town.

In division one, there's a top-of-the-table match as HOLLAND FC entertain Dereham Town Reserves.

COGGESHALL TOWN visit King's Lynn Town Reserves, while BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES host Whitton United.

HALSTEAD TOWN have a weekend off.