FC CLACTON manager David Coyle is looking on the bright side heading into 2016.

The Seasiders brought the curtain down on their year with a 4-2 defeat at home to Stanway Rovers, on Monday afternoon.

Coyle admitted being frustrated that his side failed to capitalise on their high-flying opponents having an off-day.

However, he believes there is still plenty to be positive about heading into the new year – which starts with a home match against Mildenhall Town, on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

“In the last three weeks we’ve played Felixstowe, Godmanchester and now Stanway,” said Coyle.

“And I think we’ve been the better team in all three matches.

“That’s the positive we have to take.

“We weren’t better than any of the top teams in any game last season – let alone three matches in a row.

“And I certainly don’t think we were the worst team on Monday.

“Take the goals away and they were two very evenly-matched teams.

“It wasn’t like one side was camped in the other’s half.

“It’s a positive that we went toe-to-toe with a top side in the division, but the negative is that we didn’t take advantage of them having an off-day.

“I can deal with losing to a top team if their main men have a riot.

“Then you just have to hold your hands up and say ‘they were better than us’.

“This wasn’t like that but we didn’t capitalise and that’s frustrating.”

While upbeat, Coyle admitted his squad is being stretched due to injuries, unavailability and suspension.

Kevin Coyle faces a one-match ban in the coming weeks, after picking up his fifth yellow card against Stanway.

Adam Daniels came off injured while Chris Ribchester is not expected to be available in the short-term.

“Our squad is stretched so thin it’s unbelievable,” said Coyle.

“I just hope we get some bodies back soon and, ultimately, the lack of depth in our squad is what killed us on Monday.

“We had people on the pitch who were carrying knocks and playing out of position.

“Ribbo (Ribchester) is our best defender and not having him around had such an effect on the team.

“We then had to lose our best attacking player (Kevin Coyle), who played at centre-half, and suddenly we’re weaker at both ends. It really hurt us.”

Coyle admitted his side also missed Wayne Chapman, who missed out on Monday after being ill over Christmas.

“That was a massive blow,” said Coyle.

“This game was made for him and he would have relished a midfield battle like that.

“Wayne and Ribbo would have been our most important players for this game – there’s no doubt about that.”