SOUTHEND & EMT skipper Tom Phillippe is remaining upbeat - despite Saturday’s five wicket defeat to Chingford.

The setback was Southend’s second in succession at the start of the Premier Division season.

But Phillippe was encouraged by his own side’s display.

“I saw many improvements in the side,” said the Southend captain.

“We put ourselves in several situations to win the game but we just didn’t have the final kick to do so.

“The start of the season has been tough, but we’ve been getting stronger every week.

“We have another tough game against Hornchurch but the confidence in the team is growing.”

And Phillippe is hoping that can result in his side soon securing their first victory of the season, something he feels would make a huge difference to Southend’s players.

“Every win is important so it will be great to get that first win and grow the confidence even further,” said Phillippe.

“Saying that, I still think the confidence is growing and growing with every game we have.

“We have games left so it’s a long season ahead and one where we haven’t hit the ground running.

“But now it’s time to turn it on.”

Southend batted first after winning the toss but were dismissed for 186.

Phil Gray - batting at number five - top scored with 56, while Phillippe added 36 and Joe Robbins 26.

Southend openers Oliver Wagstaff (18) and Carl Lees (0) had earlier been dismissed along with number three batsman Charlie Lockhart, who made 16.

But Southend lost their last few wickets cheaply, with Azlan Bhuiyan and Arafat Bhuiyan both failing to trouble the scorers.

Adam Rendall scored just one, while Alex Hatton was run out for seven at the conclusion of Southend’s innings.

Liam Lannen was the pick of Chingford’s bowlers as he took five wickets for just 31 runs.

Chingford’s batsmen then took centre stage as they reached the required total for the loss of five wickets.

Peter McDermott led the way with 55 not out, Rahul Patel added 38 and captain Alfie Taylor 34.

Scott Simmons took two wickets for 30 runs for Southend & EMT, while Adam Rendall took 2-53.

Ollie Wagstaff took the other wicket to fall but it was not enough to stop Southend suffering their second defeat in a row.

Southend picked up six points in the defeat but remain rooted to the foot of the table on minus 14 due to a points deduction handed out before the start of the season due to an administration error.

Southend host Hornchurch in another tough looking encounter this weekend and will want to avoid another setback.