FC CLACTON manager Tom Austin believes his side can "upset the odds" against Thurlow Nunn League leaders Histon.

The Seasiders got back to winning ways with an important 3-1 victory at Framlingham Town on Saturday.

With both sides starting out in the premier division's bottom four, it was a much-needed success that lifted the coastal team up to 14th.

Next up they welcome top-of-the-table Histon to the Rush Green Bowl - a side that have won 12 of their 14 fixtures so far and recently inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Clacton.

Nevertheless, Austin insists his players can cause an upset and believes things are heading in the right direction.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game but why can’t we beat them?" said the Seasiders boss.

“They’re not pros.

"Fair enough, some of them have played full-time in the past but they’re at this level now for a reason.

“Why can’t we upset the odds?

“Although we lost 3-0 at their place, we certainly didn't disgrace ourselves and now they’ve got to come to the Bowl.

“It doesn’t matter who the opposition are; it’s about keeping good habits and making the right decisions.

“Sometimes that boils down to keeping things simple, rather than trying to over-complicate things."

Austin is convinced his young squad is making progress and believes that if they stick together, they could become "something special".

“The average age of the squad is 24, including three or four 19-year-olds," he added.

“It’s going to take time.

"You can’t just click your fingers and expect things to happen overnight.

“It’ll come but people need to be patient.

"It’s not going to happen overnight because we haven’t got the facilities or resources here to be pushing at the top of the table.

“We can’t go out and spend loads of money but we’re getting there.

“If this group stick together for the next couple of years, they’re going to become something special.

“It’s about the present, rather than the future, though, and that’s why we need to keep putting points on the board.

“It’s been tough recently because until last weekend we hadn't been getting results.

“We gifted teams too many goals, while having to work so hard for every one we score.

“It becomes a bit stressful but that’s when you find out a few things about yourself and your players."

Austin confirmed that he will be losing the services of Matt Eve from the beginning of 2019.

The striker is going travelling to Australia.

“Matt will have an amazing time but it's a shame from our point of view because he’s made the most appearances this season and chipped in with some goals."