FC CLACTON manager David Coyle believes his side can spring a surprise in Sunday’s FA Vase showdown at AFC Dunstable.

And he wants his players to produce a performance that mirrors the “enthusiasm and positivity” of the club’s supporters.

Many fans are joining the team on their coach bound for the Bedfordshire side’s Creasey Park Stadium.

Dunstable are unbeaten this season and four points clear at the top of the South Midlands League premier division, following last weekend’s 2-1 victory at home to Colney Heath.

Coyle knows his side are in for a tough afternoon in the first-round proper tie, but insists they can cause an upset.

“There’s no doubt we’ll have to play really well,” he said.

“But Dunstable’s pitch looks like a bowling green, from the pictures I’ve seen online, and that gives us a good chance.

“It’s going to take something outstanding but then we’ve got outstanding results and performances in us.

“We’ve already shown that we’ve got the ability to hurt teams.

“Clearly, we need to defend well but we also need our strikers to be ruthless and clinical.

“We won’t get chance after chance, so if they come along we have to take them.

“We can’t afford to switch off for a second because we’re playing the best side we could possibly face at this stage of the competition.

“Dunstable are going to be strong and unforgiving but if we play to our maximum, we’ve got a chance.”

Coyle (pictured) says he will not approach the game any differently.

But he acknowledges that it is a special occasion for the club, its owners and the supporters.

“Personally, I won’t be approaching it differently to any other game,” he said.

“To say anything else would suggest other matches are less important, which isn’t the case and would send out the wrong message.

“I want to win every match, regardless of who we’re playing, and hate having to shake hands with my opposite number after a defeat.

“That said, I fully understand and am respectful of the fact it’s a more important game for other people.

“It’s a big day for the club and the owners, because there’s prize money at stake.

“And it’s also going to be a big day for our supporters, who are travelling with us on the coach.

“By the time they’ve paid for their travel, getting into the ground and a bit of food and drink, they’re probably going to spend £25.

“They could easily spend that on something else, but they’ve chosen to come along and support us.

“We’re respectful and appreciative of what they’re giving up for us and want to produce a performance that mirrors their enthusiasm and positivity.”

Clacton will be without goalkeeper Joe Fowler (unavailable), Chris Ribchester (suspended) and Kyelan Marvell (injured).