FC CLACTON’S Wayne Chapman insists his side have the mental steel to recover from their shock setback against Ely.

The Seasiders collapsed to a 4-2 defeat against the previously-winless Thurlow Nunn League premier division strugglers at the Rush Green Bowl, on Saturday.

They were two-down in the first few minutes and went on to ship four before half-time.

Clacton have an immediate chance to bounce back, in tonight’s tough Essex Senior Cup third-round tie at home to Ryman Premier side Grays Athletic.

And Chapman, one of his side’s best players at the weekend, says he and his team-mates are definitely capable of coming back fighting.

“We’ve got to react positively and get on with it,” said the former Gas Recreation midfielder.

“Our mentality wasn’t right from the start at the weekend but we’ve got to pick ourselves up, because it’s going to be a very tough game tonight."

For the full story and more non-league news, see Tuesday's Daily Gazette.