FC Clacton are flying on the pitch – but struggling to survive off it.

The club are on course for promotion from Ridgeons League division one, having extended their winning run with victories against Whitton on Saturday and March Town on Tuesday.

But co-owner and chairman David Ballard admits his side are struggling to pay bills – and is concerned for the Seasiders’ future.

Clacton suffered a disastrous winter in which numerous postponements, caused by waterlogged and frozen pitches, put a huge strain on resources.

And Ballard told the Gazette: “We’re struggling financially.

“Me and my co-owner are just working-class people trying to run a working football club. It’s just a nightmare.

“If we don’t sort it out our football club is going to go under.”

For the full story see today's Gazette.