FC CLACTON striker Tom Holdstock is convinced his side can claw their way to safety.

The Seasiders are third from bottom in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division and their confidence has been dented by a run of four defeats, including Saturday’s 5-1 setback at home to Ipswich Wanderers.

Holdstock admits he and his team-mates are a work in progress – but feels sure they have the quality to climb away from the relegation zone.

“We’ll stick together and keep working hard to put things right,” said the former Heybridge Swifts striker.

“I’ve got no doubt we’ll get out of trouble.

“We won’t go down.

“We’ve got some good players here and have added to the squad since last season, bringing in quality like Kevin Coyle, Matt Waters, James Dunkley and Ryan Lowton.

“It’s going to take time to gel but I’m sure we’ll get it together.

“At the moment I think there’s an element of fear.

“We’re scared of making mistakes or wrong decisions and it doesn’t help when we go 4-0 down in 20 minutes (as they did against Ipswich on Saturday).

“It takes two or three goals before we start reacting and when you’re five-down at half-time it’s so frustrating, because the game’s over.

“You’re playing for pride.

“It’s hard but I feel we need to be more creative and ruthless.”