Southend United manager Steve Tilson is backing his shot-shy Shrimpers to score on a egular basis once the League Two season starts this Saturday.

Flat out -- Spencer Prior with an acrobatic effort Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

Blues wasted a series of clear cut chances during a 0-0 draw with Grays at the weekend but Tilson is sure his side will soon rediscover their goalscoring form, despite going more than 250 minutes since hitting the back of the net.

"The season hasn't even started for real yet so I'm not worried or concerned at all," Tilson said.

"We created a lot of chances against Grays but didn't put them away. We will work on that on the training ground though and come next Saturday when we face Cheltenham Town I'm confident we will be all right."

The Seasiders chief added he was satisfied with the Essex outfit's showing in the scorching sunshine at the Recreation Ground as Blues completed their hectic pre-season schedule with a fourth successive draw.

"I didn't learn anything I didn't already know but it was a good test and a good game for us," he said.

Published Monday August 2, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo