FC CLACTON boss Tom Austin is urging his players to believe in themselves, do themselves justice and continue the club’s FA Vase adventure.

The Seasiders head to Lincolnshire on Saturday for a third-round showdown against United Counties League outfit Deeping Rangers.

It will be their fourth match in the famous competition, having already eliminated Hoddesdon Town, Buckingham Athletic and Thurlow Nunn League rivals Kirkley and Pakefield.

And Austin hopes his players turn up with the “attitude and mentality” to keep the run going and book their place in Monday’s fourth-round draw – in the process earning their club prize money to the tune of £1,125.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he told the Gazette.

“There’s a bit of apprehension, of course, but I’m desperate to keep our run going.

“More than anything, I just hope the boys turn up, do themselves justice and give a decent account of themselves.

“It’s a long way to go to not perform and get rolled over.

“We have to go there and be confident – confident in our own ability and confident we can go there and get a positive result.

“People are always telling us what a good side we are.

“Now, after a couple of disappointing results in the league, we have to show everyone why.

“We need to believe in ourselves and the players have to turn up with the right attitude and mentality, prepared to work hard.

“I’m a big believer that you don’t get anything in life without working hard and that definitely applies to football.

“We know we can compete with all the top teams in our division and at this level of football so it’s just about proving it and showing the right application.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting this far in the competition, beating the likes of Hoddesdon, Buckingham and Kirkley.

“If we let ourselves down at the weekend, in terms of our performance, it will seem like all that hard graft was for nothing.”

Deeping are third in the United Counties League premier division and romped to a 7-0 victory in their last league game, against Wellingborough Whitworth.

However, prior to that, they crashed to a 4-0 home defeat against Oadby Town.

“I’ve had a couple of reports on them and they’re a good side,” added Austin.

“But for us, as I’ve said before, consistency is everything.

“Although we’re still a work in progress, I know what this group is capable of and I just want them to do themselves justice.”

Kyelan Marvell is suspended for Saturday’s trip the Haydon Whitham Stadium.

Lee Clowsley is still injured but Jake Plane has now served his suspension and goalkeeper Joe Fowler is available again, having missed last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at home to Newmarket.