STANWAY ROVERS boss Kem Izzet is convinced his side can ignite their season and end the club's win-less start.

The Hawthorns side have had a difficult first week, losing their opening Thurlow Nunn League fixtures against Thetford Town and Coggeshall Town.

They then bowed out of the FA Cup after losing 4-2 in Saturday’s extra preliminary round tie at home to Gorleston.

Now they are preparing for a north Essex derby when FC Clacton visit for a premier division contest tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

And despite his side’s frustrating start, Izzet is confident better times lie ahead – if they sharpen up at both ends of the pitch.

“We were a bit unfortunate in our first game, at Thetford,” said the Colchester United legend.

“A draw would certainly have been a fair result that day.

“Then in our second game we were beaten quite convincingly at Coggeshall.

“Even so, we had good chances and they really punished us by taking theirs.

"It was a tough one to take.

“On Saturday I’d say we were the better team in our FA Cup tie against Gorleston.

“Again, we created numerous chances before they scored and their first goal came against the run of play, with a deflected effort.

“We stayed in the game but had we scored five or six goals, they couldn’t have had any complaints. We were left wondering how we’d lost.

“That’s been the story of our season so far.

“We haven’t been clinical enough in front of goal and we’ve been ruthlessly punished at the other end.

“But if we can sharpen up at both ends, we’ll turn things around. I’m confident of that.”

Stanway should be able to welcome back former U’s striker Jamie Guy tonight.

The front man missed the cup tie for personal reasons, having featured in both league games.

Izzet hopes his side can build on a positive performance against Gorleston.

“It’s a learning curve but if we play like we did at the weekend, we’ll win more games than we lose,” he said.

“From the dug-out, I can see our progression but for the players’ sake, I’d love to get a positive result and put those first points on the board.

“They’d relax and start to enjoy their football more.

“The great thing about football is that there’s always another game around the corner and now we’ve got another opportunity to play well and get a result.

“I know we’ll be very competitive and I’m very confident we’ll start winning games soon – hopefully beginning tonight.

“If you’re not creating chances, it’s a cause for concern but we’re certainly making opportunities and that’s encouraging.

“I’m sure other teams will be saying a similar thing but I’m hoping that from our point of view there will be a backlash where everything we hit goes in.”

Elsewhere tonight, Coggeshall have a premier division fixture at home to Godmanchester Rovers.

In division one, HOLLAND FC entertain BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES at the Rush Green Bowl.