FC CLACTON’S Steve Downes believes his run of games is helping him flourish.

The centre-half has established himself as a key player in recent weeks – part of a miserly defence that has conceded just once in three matches.

Even that came from the penalty spot, in Saturday’s 5-1 demolition of Diss.

And he also chipped in at the other end of the pitch on Tuesday night, netting the Seasiders’ third goal in their 3-0 Essex Senior Cup victory at home to Waltham Forest.

Former Clacton United and Holland FC man Downes admits his confidence is high – and hopes his strong form continues in Saturday’s Thurlow Nunn League match at Brantham Athletic.

“I’m getting a run of games and really enjoying it,” he said.

“My personal confidence is getting much higher and I feel comfortable."

For the full story and more FC Clacton news and views, see this week's Gazette.