Southend United skipper Kevin Maher is urging the Shrimpers to keep their heads high despite crashing out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

Get stuck in - Kevin Maher in action against West Ham on Tuesday night Picture: NICK ANSELL

The Seasiders, who have still to win this season, suffered a 2-0 defeat at West Ham United but Maher is sure the lowly League Two side will soon be challenging higher up the table after producing an improved performance.

"I thought we played very well at West Ham on Tuesday, especially during the second half, and if we can keep on playing like that we're going to be fine against sides in our own division," he said.

"Of course we are all disappointed at the way things have gone so far but we need to stick together, keep working hard and believe things will get better."

And Maher, who is already just a booking away from a one match ban, remains confident of securing success for the Seasiders this season.

The big problem remains an inability to score goals: Blues have found the net just once in five games this season, and that was from a hotly disputed penalty, but Maher expects better things to come.

"We're not a bad team and I'm sure things will turn around quite soon," said the coastal club's longest serving player.

"We started the season with hopes of making the play-offs and we still have them.

"We haven't really been outplayed by anyone so far - we just can't seem to score goals at the moment.

"Once a couple go in though I'm sure it will change as it will do so much for everyone's confidence and hopefully we can do that at Bristol Rovers tomorrow night."

Published Thursday August 26, 2004