FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin wants his side to create memories by continuing their FA Vase adventure on Saturday.

The Seasiders are preparing for a second-qualifying round tie against Redbridge, at the Austin Arena on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

They have already eliminated Southend Manor and head into this weekend's showdown on the back of an abandoned Essex Senior Cup tie at Stanway Rovers, on Tuesday.

Switching his attention to a big weekend, Austin said: "This is most definitely a game we want to win and a competition we want to progress in, especially after the disappointment of losing in the FA Cup (to Witham Town).

"We're at the top level among the teams in the competition so let's focus, concentrate and make sure it's our name in the hat for the next round.

"We love playing at home.

"It's our fortress and we've done our homework on Redbridge.

"They've started their season well and we know we need to be at our best, as is the case in every match.

"We have to be consistent. We've set high standards and now we need to keep hitting them.

"I've told the lads that a run in this competition is something they'll remember for ever.

"We reached the third qualifying round last year and went up to Deeping Rangers.

"But we weren't good enough on the day and by half-time we were 3-1 down (before eventually losing 4-2).

"We want to go further this time around and it's our main focus right now. We can't wait."

Tuesday's tie at Stanway was abandoned after just ten minutes, due to a floodlight failure at The Hawthorns.

"It was very disappointing," added Austin.

"You're prepped, warmed up and ready to get your teeth into a derby game - only for the lights to go out after a few minutes.

"It's one of those things, though.

"It can't be helped and I've never known it to happen at Stanway."

Clacton lost 1-0 at Haverhill Rovers in the Thurlow Nunn League premier division on Saturday.

They are due to entertain Whitton United on Tuesday, subject to the Stanway game being rearranged, and then visit Hadleigh United next Friday.

Reflecting on last weekend, Austin said: "It was probably our worst performance of the season.

"Maybe there was a bit of fatigue after playing 120 minutes at Witham last Tuesday.

"There weren't many chances in the game and if we'd nicked a point, I don't think they could have complained too much.

"But we know we can play much better."