C&K BASILDON Ladies boss Steve Tilson admits it is crucial his side get back to winning ways when they host West Ham United tonight.

Basildon take on the Hammers at Canvey Island’s Frost Financial Stadium fresh from suffering a convincing 6-1 defeat at table-topping Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

And Tilson is demanding an immediate reaction.

“At the level we’re playing at now there is pretty much two leagues within the one division and we want to be at the top of the second one,” said the former Southend United boss.

“West Ham are down there with us so it’s important we beat them and that makes it a big game for us this evening.

“Brighton on Sunday were a very strong side and it’s a great set up they have over there as well.

“It’s certainly something we can aspire towards ourselves with the facilities we’re looking to have in the next couple of years.

“But this year is all about making sure we stay up after last season’s promotion and giving us something to build on.”

C&K Basildon became the first team to score against Brighton this season when Zoe Rushen put them ahead at the weekend after just eight minutes.

However, the Seagulls drew back level just six minutes later when a low cross from Basildon’s left flank was finished at the far post by Charlotte Gurr.

Brighton soon added a second goal when another low cross was steered in from the middle of the Basildon penalty area by Kate Natkiel.

Basildon almost pulled level in the 27th minute when Rushen rattled the Brighton crossbar from another Amy Nash corner.

But, Brighton opened up a two goal advantage on the half hour mark when Kirsty Barton fired in from the edge of the penalty area.

Moments later, the Seagulls made sure of the points by scoring two goals within the opening five minutes of the second half.

The first came from a shot from just inside the Basildon penalty area by Jay Blackie, and the second from a corner that was headed in at the far post by Deanna Cooper.

Brighton completed the scoring by adding a sixth goal when a well weighted pass found Amy Taylor who was able to guide the ball past Cherie Rowlands.

C&K Basildon: Rowlands, Carty, C. Long, Porter, Lacey, Duchar-Clark, Stephanou, Doyle (B.Long), Rodney (Blowers), Nash, Rushen.