ADAM Thompson wants Southend United to make their 1-1 draw with Swindon Town a positive point by winning at Walsall this weekend.

Blues were frustrated to secure just a share of the spoils against the Robins at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

But Thompson - who has started the last nine games at the heart of the back four for the Shrimpers - is keen to remain upbeat.

“It was disappointing to come away with a point against Swindon but we have to take it as a positive point and make it a good week by winning at Walsall on Saturday now,” said the 24-year-old centre-back.

“We threw the kitchen sink at them but fair play to their goalkeeper (Lawrence Vigouroux) because he was brilliant.

“But there are going to be games like that this season when you don’t get what you deserve and you just have to take it on the chin.

“We can’t let it affect us.

“It’s four points from two games this week so now we need to focus on Walsall and getting the result we want there.”

Blues’ draw with the Robins extended their unbeaten run to seven League One games and also kept them ninth in the standings, just two points below the play-off positions.

And Thompson believes hard work has been the main reason for the Shrimpers’ transformation which has seen them work their way out of the relegation zone.

“We’ve worked really hard on the training pitch to turn things around and the manager has got us right shape-wise too which means the whole defensive unit has been good,” said the former Watford centre-back.

“We’re scoring goals more regularly as well now which is taking pressure off the back four and means teams are having to come at us.

“It leaves more gaps for us on the counter attack which is also helping us to pick up more points.”

However, the Shrimpers fell victim to a counter attack against Swindon on Tuesday night as a pass from goalkeeper Vigouroux started a move which eventually resulted in Jonathan Obika firing home after Thompson had been caught up field following an unsuccessful free-kick.

“I took the centre forward’s role and everyone filled in in different areas after that,” said Thompson.

“The lads are saying the shot went in off Ryan Leonard’s toe so it was unlucky but fair play to Swindon for getting a point.

“They responded well to the defeat they had before playing us but we need to forget about it now and move on.”