PROUD FC Clacton manager Tom Austin believes his fast-improving players are heading in the right direction.

After back-to-back wins and clean sheets, the Seasiders produced a spirited, industrious performance before losing 2-0 at home to title-chasing Coggeshall Town in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division on Tuesday night.

The Seedgrowers netted twice in the second half but were given a fright by Austin’s men, who had continued their progress with a 2-0 victory at Haverhill Rovers on Saturday.

The Clacton boss was delighted with his side’s display but admitted the final score was hard to take.

“I was very proud of our performance, although everyone was disappointed to come off the pitch having lost 2-0,” he told the Gazette.

“It was hard to take because we worked hard and had good chances in the first half.

“Their keeper (James Bransgrove) pulled off two world-class saves and that’s why he used to be with Colchester United.

“Coggeshall are top of the league for a reason, though.

“They’re clinical and they’ll punish you.

“Their first goal came from our error and the second was a deflected free-kick.

“I said to the lads before the start to minimise their mistakes, play in the right areas and give themselves a chance.

“We kept it goalless at half-time and they didn’t end up getting their first goal until the 69th minute.

“That shows the mentality has changed and that we’ve become harder to beat.”

Austin has now been in charge for six league and cup games - three wins and three defeats - and believes his players have made rapid progress, particularly since experienced coach Adrian Webster came on board as his assistant on March 16.

“It feels like we’ve come a long way just in the last couple of weeks,” said the Seasiders boss.

“This was my sixth game and Ade’s fourth.

“The boys have really taken to him.

“They respect him and listen to him and they’re only going to improve with his help.

“We’ve got a good group of lads here and they’re all on the same wavelength.

“They all want the same things.

“They’re prepared to work for each other and we’ve still got a lot to play for this season – league points and also the cup final.

“The fans were proud at the end.

“They cheered us off and that’s because they appreciated our work-rate and performance.

“There were more positives than negatives and they could see that.”

Clacton are now preparing for a double-header of Easter fixtures.

They host Histon on Saturday before making the short trip to Wivenhoe Town on Bank Holiday Monday.

Both games kick-off at 3pm.

The Seasiders will be making a quick return trip to the GMP Plant Hire Stadium, having beaten the Dragons 3-0 in the Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup semi-final last Wednesday.

They now face Brightlingsea Regent at the R’s Taydal Stadium on April 24.

Austin was hoping to sign a new goalkeeper before the end of the week as Joe Fowler is unavailable for both Easter matches. Aaron Smyth is also unavailable on Saturday.

However, Austin hopes to welcome back Jake Plane and Brad James.

Both missed the midweek match, because of illness and work commitments respectively.