Southend United's Gavin Tomlin: Our confidence hasn’t been dented (From Echo)

Southend United's Gavin Tomlin: Our confidence hasn’t been dented

12:37pm Thursday 23rd August 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

GAVIN Tomlin insists Southend United’s confidence has not been affected by their shaky start to the season.

Blues have kicked off the new campaign with three successive defeats.

But Tomlin, who has been one of the team’s biggest plus points so far, is certain Paul Sturrock’s side will soon recover and be up towards the top of the table.

“Confidence is still high here,” said Tomlin, who turned 29 on Tuesday.

“I don’t see it as a major problem, we’ve had a setback but we go again on Saturday when we go to Northampton Town.

“And hopefully we can get a good result there to get our season going again.”

Tomlin also wants to play a part in Southend turning things around by becoming more clinical in front of goal.

Blues have yet to hit the back of the net so far this term.

And the former Yeovil Town striker is keen for that to end.

“I have done OK in the games I’ve played but I just need to start being a bit more ruthless in front of goal,” said Tomlin.

“That will come and hopefully it won’t be long until we’re all chipping in.”

Boss Paul Sturrock is also keen for that to happen.

But he also wants his team to maintain the work-rate they showed during the 2-0 defeat at Oxford United on Tuesday, which saw them playing for 63 minutes with 10 men after Michael Timlin was sent off.

“I was proud of everyone of my players out there,” said Sturrock.

“Their work ethic was different class when we went down to 10 men and despite losing a bad goal in the second half everyone put in a real shift.

“If we can stay with 11 men and give that sort of work ethic then very soon we will be back on the rails.

“We also need lady luck back on our side at this moment in time and I am going to have a wee word with the gods to see if she will turn back round for us.”

>MIDFIELDER Michael Timlin will serve a one match suspension after being sent off during the 2-0 defeat at Oxford United.

The 27-year-old was shown two yellow cards and will miss this Saturday’s trip to Northampton Town.