FC CLACTON manager Kieron Shelley hopes to have “pulled a rabbit out of the hat” by signing striker Samson Jackson.

The former Maidstone United under-23s frontman impressed in his first appearance for the club, in their friendly at Aveley.

He played all 90 minutes against the Bostik League division north side and could now make his competitive debut in Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn League trip to Kirkley and Pakefield.

“We know what our problem has been in the last few weeks – the fact we haven’t scored enough goals,” said Shelley, whose side were left without a game last weekend following the postponement of their home clash with Coggeshall Town.

“We’ve been doing all we can to bring in reinforcements and, in terms of the local scene, no stone has been left unturned.

“You can’t always pull a rabbit out of the hat but now we’re hoping that rabbit will be Samson.

“He was recommended to us by a scout and did well at Aveley.

“It’s hard to judge someone from one game but I was certainly impressed.

“His attitude was superb and he didn’t stop working, closing down and running off the ball.

“He was full of energy, playing up front on his own, and that’s exactly the kind of player we’ve been missing – someone to run the line.

“He stayed high for the whole game and fits the bill in terms of what we need – someone selfish to poach goals and put the ball in the back of the net.”

Jackson was previously on the books of both Charlton Athletic and Millwall.

He is from London but now living in north Essex because he is a student at Essex University.

Clacton have also recruited full-back and Colne Football Academy youngster Jenson Mulqueen.

The 17-year-old came on as a substitute in the Aveley match, which took place last Wednesday and finished 1-1. Jake Plane scored the Seasiders’ goal.

“Jenson’s a really exciting young right-back who loves to get forward,” added Shelley.

“His energy and fitness levels are top-class and I liked the fact he was brave enough to get forward, right into the Aveley box.

“I’m over the moon with both new signing. Hopefully they can hit the ground running.”