SOUTHEND & EMT skipper Joe Robbins insists his side will continue to push for promotion despite Saturday’s defeat at high-flying rivals Shenfield.

Southend’s setback leaves them 17 points behind Shenfield with just two games to go.

But Robbins, whose team remain third in the Division One table, is not giving up hope of a top two finish.

“We will keep battling hard to put the pressure on Shenfield but we know it will be tough from here,” said Robbins.

“Saturday was disappointing but I'm really pleased with the fight and heart shown by the lads, especially the lower order with the bat.

“At 36-6 we were really up against it but Dan Ingham scored a brilliant hundred and was backed up well by Wayne Spear and Callum Druce so to end up on 234 was a top effort.

“Unfortunately for us they batted well at the top and we couldn't quite get the breakthroughs we would have liked. “

Southend batted first after being put into bat and ended their innings on 234/9.

Number seven batsman Daniel Ingham top scored with 104 while Wayne Spear added 46 and Callum Druce 41 as Southend recovered well from a shaky start.

But second placed Shenfield made light work of reaching the required total and lost just four wickets on their way to victory.

Michael Gridley and Oliver Wagstaff both took two wickets each but Shenfield openers Jamie Walton (86) and Ollie Ekers (63) ensured it was the home-side who came out on top.

However, at the other end of the field, Hadleigh & Thundersley are now just three points above the relegation zone after they were held to a draw by bottom of the table Orsett at their John Burrows base.

Orsett batted first and scored 276/8 thanks largely to an unbeaten 116 from Mohammed Ahktar.

Hadleigh skipper Adam Soilleux with 2-44 was the pick of the bowlers while Nigel Holmes took 2-47 and Kellon Carmichael 2-70.

In reply, Carmichael top scored with 63 while opener Paul Tibbenham hit 44 and Soilleux 42 as Hadleigh ended their innings on 269/8 to ensure the game ended in a draw.

Southend, who host sixth placed Woodford Wells this weekend, will now be hoping Hadleigh can do them a favour when they head to Shenfield on Saturday.