FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin expects his players to have the "bit between their teeth" in Saturday's home showdown against Haverhill Rovers.

After winning three and drawing one of their opening four Thurlow Nunn League fixtures in 2019, the Seasiders' unbeaten streak was unceremoniously ended after a 5-0 defeat at Wroxham on Saturday.

It means Clacton are 12th in the premier division table but just one place and two points behind Haverhill, with a game in hand on the Suffolk side.

There is therefore plenty at stake and Austin is expecting a positive reaction from his players, after their below-par performance at Trafford Park.

"The players let themselves down and they know that," said the Clacton boss.

"It was a day when nothing went right for us and it was a quiet, subdued dressing room afterwards.

"The boys knew they hadn't been good enough but now it's about reacting positively and I expect them to have the bit between their teeth on Saturday.

"It's down to them, to apply themselves and take responsibility for trying to get a result.

"As much as anything, it would be nice to repay our supporters, especially those who made that long journey at the weekend."

Clacton supporters are being encouraged to bring a friend and help swell the gate for Saturday's match, which kicks off at 3pm.

The Seasiders could be without Lee Clowsley, as a result of the dead leg that forced him off last weekend, while Kyelan Marvell is touch-and-go because of his long-standing knee problem. He failed a fitness test before Saturday's game.

Clacton will be hoping to get back to winning ways ahead of a tricky run of fixtures.

After Saturday, three of their next four matches are against sides currently residing in the top seven.

They go to seventh-placed Kirkley and Pakefield on Saturday week before hosting current leaders Godmanchester Rovers.

After that they visit lowly Great Yarmouth Town before another tricky match at fifth-placed Woodbridge Town.

"We've got a tough run of fixtures, including matches against three sides in the top seven," added Austin.

"It's not going to be an easy run of games but it's a great challenge and a good opportunity to show what we're capable of."