FC CLACTON defender Ollie Lamb is hoping to sign off on a glorious high as the Seasiders prepare for an FA Vase showdown at Saffron Walden.

The sides are set to meet in a second-round tie at Catons Lane this weekend and it promises to be a milestone match for Lamb - his last for the club before going travelling around Australia.

The 23-year-old has become a regular fixture in Tom Austin's first team and will be missed when he jets Down Under on Tuesday.

"I'd love to finish on a high, with a win at at the weekend," said Lamb, who progressed through the club's youth set-up and was in the team for Saturday's excellent 3-1 victory at Swaffham Town.

"It's a tough draw but we'll be optimistic we can go there and get a result.

"I can't wait to go travelling but will really miss my football. It's the highlight of my week.

"The feeling of winning or having a big away day together is really special.

"When I first came up to the first team I found it a bit difficult, getting used to the speed of this level.

"Before that I'd been playing with my mates in the reserves.

"But since I've been playing and got to know all the boys, it's been great.

"We're good friends and more than just team-mates."

Lamb became a key part of Clacton's team last season, helping them to a record-breaking sixth-place finish in the Thurlow Nunn League.

Prior to that he had been playing reserve-team football for the club, having previously worked his way through the youth set-up.

"I've become a regular in the team and really enjoyed it," he said.

"I've become more comfortable and the way things panned out last season gave everyone a real confidence-boost, not just me.

"It meant there was real optimism going into this season and so far, things are going well.

"We're doing well in the league, having a run in the Vase and were unlucky to lose in the FA Cup.

"We're going into matches believing we can win.

"Tom's building something really good here and it's nice to see people getting behind him.

"There's a positive feeling around the whole club."

Clacton enjoyed success on their travels last weekend, making a long trek to Norfolk and beating Swaffham 3-1.

The Seasiders did all the hard work in the first half, scoring three goals, having two disallowed and also hitting the woodwork.

Their complete domination started in the fifth minute, when Mekhi McKenzie headed home Kyelan Marvell's corner.

Jake Clowsley notched from close range after an inviting left-wing cross from Billy Wales, following a sublime pass from Harry McDonald.

Chris Ribchester then made it three with a towering header from Zach Smith-Walters' cross.

Swaffham pulled one back after the break but it was still a great response from the Seasiders, after losing their previous two.