MICHAEL Turner wants Southend United to take confidence from Saturday’s clash with Bradford City - despite being gutted by the 2-1 defeat at Roots Hall.

A late penalty from Charlie Wyke saw the Bantams secure all three points.

But Turner is keen for the Shrimpers to remain upbeat.

“We’re so gutted to have given a goal away at the end but we need to take confidence from the way we played,” said the experienced defender.

“We didn’t start too well and it took us a while to get going but from about 20 minutes onwards we dominated most of the game and we need to take that into the next game now.”

Blues had seemed set for a share of the spoils when Nile Ranger netted a 75th minute equaliser to cancel out Dominic Poleon’s early opener for the Bantams.

And Turner was not sure whether Bradford’s match-winning penalty - given for a Ryan Leonard challenge on Nicky Law - should have been awarded.

“It’s a tough one,” said Turner.

“Lenny was just slightly the wrong side.

“He did get the ball but whether or not he got the man as well I’m not sure.

“I would have to see it again but before then there was a free-kick right on the halfway line which was given against Macca (Stephen McLaughlin) which should have been our free-kick.

“It was 30 seconds before the penalty and it’s just massively frustrating to have thrown it away at the end there.”

However, Turner - who has now started the last six League games - was still impressed by the Shrimpers’ display.

“I thought we were brilliant in the second half,” said the 34-year-old.

“We were on the front foot and we were putting it right on Bradford.

“We deserved to get level and the way the half was going when we equalised we were confident we could go and win the game.

“It’s important to not lose and we’re disappointed to lose our unbeaten home record.”

Despite the defeat, Blues remain 12th in the League One standings.

And Turner is certain the Shrimpers will be able to get back on track during a tough run of fixtures which sees them play Scunthorpe United, Charlton Athletic and Shrewsbury Town in quick succession.

“We’ve got some quality players in our team and I think playing the top teams brings out the best in them,” said Turner.

“We have some tough fixtures coming up but we’re looking forward to them.”