FC CLACTON boss David Coyle has challenged his side to open the scoring in Saturday’s home clash with Whitton United.

The Seasiders have endured a torrid sequence of heavy defeats, most recently last weekend’s 5-1 setback at the hands of Ipswich Wanderers.

It came hot on the heels of shipping six at Hadleigh United and 11 at Godmanchester Rovers.

However, Coyle was encouraged by his side’s much-improved second-half display and believes their luck could turn if they score first.

“Because of the lack of games and the way things have gone recently, we haven’t led a game for three months, since winning at Thetford,” said the Clacton boss, whose side also have a crunch derby at neighbours and fellow strugglers Wivenhoe Town on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

“We’ve forgotten what it’s like to be in a winning position – to be the confident team in the ascendancy.

“Instead, after going behind, they’re the ones feeling upbeat and we’re on a downer.

“I’m sure that’s not helping us at the moment because when you’re winning, you feel like you’re the better team, even if you’re not.

“If it happens this weekend, or even if we’re level at half-time, it could make all the difference."