WILL Atkinson has urged Southend United to stay positive ahead of Saturday’s clash at Charlton Athletic.

The Shrimpers’ four match winning run was ended following a 1-0 defeat to high-flying Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday.

But, despite finding the manner of the setback tough to take, Atkinson wants Blues to remain upbeat.

“We gave it our all against Bolton and it shows how far we’ve come that we are so disappointed by the loss,” said Atkinson.

“We can certainly take a lot out of the game and if we show the same commitment in the five massive games we have left along with a bit more quality then there’s no reason why we can’t get to where we want to be.

“It’s a big game on Saturday against Charlton and we need to put another performance in.

“Things are still in our own hands so we just need to keep on believing in ourselves and get another run together.”

Blues battled hard against Bolton but were ultimately undone by a stoppage time strike from Trotters centre-back Mark Beevers. The defeat kept the Shrimpers sixth in the League One standings and also left Atkinson feeling frustrated.

“We’re bitterly disappointed about Tuesday,” said Atkinson.

“We expected a tough game and a battle because we knew Bolton were a physical side.

“I think we matched them in that respect but we knew they were dangerous from set pieces and it’s a set piece which has won it for them at the end. For it to happen so late on is so disappointing but we gave them a really good game.

“They’re a big club who are right up towards the top of the league and we could have nicked it ourselves because it was an even game. We maybe lacked a little bit of quality and perhaps we got caught up in the battle a little bit and forgot to play our football and that can’t happen on Saturday.”

And Atkinson also believes Blues have the strength in depth to cope with their current injury problems.

“We have a big squad full,” said Atkinson. “John White showed that on Tuesday. He was exceptional when he came on.”