FC Clacton boss Tom Austin is backing his free-scoring side to go from strength to strength

The Seasiders climbed to ninth in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division after Adam Hampson's hat-trick inspired them to a thrilling 4-3 victory at home to Woodbridge Town on Tuesday.

It came four days after another outstanding win - this time 3-2 at Hoddesdon Town, in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase.

Austin was delighted and believes his side can push on from here, especially if they tighten up defensively.

"We're still conceding sloppy goals which is annoying and disappointing," said the Clacton boss.

"But we know we've got goals in us this season and also seem to step it up in the second half.

"Our superior fitness shines through and we punish teams.

"Jake Plane was my man-of-the-match at the weekend and he looks so dangerous at the moment, like he's going to score in every game.

"Adam Hampson is also leading by example.

"He's absolute quality at this level, as he proved with his goals the other night, and he works so hard from start to finish.

"Matt Eve also deserves praise. He's chipping in with goals and has added a finishing product to his game.

"It's been a fantastic, memorable week but there's still room for improvement.

"We need to tighten up at the back and we're also too much of a second-half team at the moment.

"I can't put my finger on the reason why but we don't seem to start games well.

"I don't know whether it's got something to do with our preparations or warm-up but it's something we need to address as soon as possible.

"We don't want to find ourselves in a position where we're punished and go in at half-time two or three goals behind."

Clacton have now been drawn away to Buckingham Athletic in the first-round proper of the Vase.

They will visit the Stratford Fields side on October 13.

Reflecting on last week's win, Austin said: "I wouldn't necessarily say it was our best result of the season so far.

"For me, that would still be our 3-1 victory at Thetford (on September 1).

"But it was a very special result and nicking it at the end like that felt amazing.

"All the players came rushing over to me - they knew I'd have a very difficult week, for personal reasons - and it really showed our spirit and togetherness.

"Now we're looking forward to another away day at Buckingham.

"We want to rise to the occasion, push on and keep our run going.

"It's also important to keep winning our league games, especially as there are lots of important points to play for between now and then."

Clacton will be without skipper Wayne Chapman, Karl Andrade and Kyelan Marvell for Saturday's trip to Newmarket Town.

Charlie Thompson scored the other goal in Tuesday's win while Plane and Harry McDonald were on target at Hoddesdon.

With the tie poised at 2-2 deep in stoppage time, Eve then grabbed a last-gasp winner to set up the tie at Spartan South Midlands League side Buckingham.