FC CLACTON assistant boss Mike Wallace believes the side can become a force to be reckoned with when they rediscover their killer instinct.

The Seasiders have only lost one of their last eight matches, keeping clean sheets in two of the last three.

They were disappointed not to take maximum points from last weekend’s Thurlow Nunn League premier division stalemate at home to Great Yarmouth Town.

With the wind behind them in the first half, their best efforts same from Kevin Coyle, twice, and Brightlingsea Regent loanee Harry McDonald.

Billy Wales later saw an angled drive turned behind by the Yarmouth keeper, while at the other end Luke Avenell had to be alert to tip over a long-range effort from the Bloaters.

Wallace admitted it was disappointing not to win but feels confident the goals will come, if the players keep plugging away.

“We’re creating a lot of chances at the moment but struggling to hit the back of the net,” he said.

“I thought both sides deserved credit last week, because they tried their best to play football in horrendous, windy conditions.

“That and the sun made it really hard and had a big impact on the game.

“Despite that, we played some really good stuff in parts and should have won the game in the first half.

“We had more than enough chances, but I wouldn’t want to take anything away from our strikers because they’re getting in those positions.

“We just need to rediscover our killer instinct and then everything will start to click and confidence levels will go up.

“We’ll start banging in goals because we’ve got the players to do that.”

Wallace was delighted to keep another clean sheet and believes the team's miserly defensive record is one of the most pleasing aspects of recent weeks.

He also praised the effort and work-rate of the players.

“We felt we should have won last week but it’s still another point on the board and another clean sheet,” he added.

“The back four are playing really well and I’ve been particularly impressed with Harvey (Cowler).

“For me, he’s become one of the first names on the team sheet.

“Defensively, we’re looking solid but we need to start killing teams off and could do with a bit more luck in front of goal.

“The players are giving everything every week, though, and for us, as a management team, it’s hard to ask for anything more in terms of effort and work-rate.

“We’re picking up results from games we would have lost last season and we’ve only lost once in eight games, so it’s certainly not all negative.

“But we’re just in a situation where we need to train a little harder, work on our finishing and start being a bit more clinical.

“We don’t look like we’re going to concede many and we’ve got the makings of being a strong team at this level.

“But we need to start turning these draws into wins.”

A Clacton XI travelled to Halstead Town for a friendly on Tuesday night and XXXXX X-X.

XXXXXX scored their goals.

Clacton return to league action at Haverhill Borough on Saturday before hosting Coggeshall Town in the League Challenge Cup next Wednesday.