C&K BASILDON boss Steve Tilson remained upbeat despite his side suffering a 3-0 defeat to Coventry United.

High-flying Coventry were worthy winners in the Premier League Southern Division clash at Canvey Island’s Frost Financial Stadium.

But Tilson was buoyed by the effort levels of his players.

“The girls gave absolutely everything and kept on going for the whole game so I couldn’t have asked for anymore from them,” said the former Southend United chief.

“On the day, Coventry were just better than us and they’re a very strong side.

“They were good last year but they’ve added to their squad now and they will definitely finish in the top three this season.

“They’re going to be in the race for promotion and they showed why against us.

“But we gave it our best shot and I’m still pleased with how things are going.

“We’re into the second round of the FA Cup, the quarter finals of the Essex Cup and we’re placed in the league as well so we’re still on course to reach the targets we set ourselves.”

After Sunday’s defeat, C&K Basildon sit sixth in the table.

And that has been achieved despite a long list of injuries.

“It’s been hard for us because we’ve picked up some long term injuries and we don’t have the biggest of squads,” said Tilson.

“One of our defenders is out with a cruciate ligament injury and our left-back has been out for six weeks too.

“It’s tough but you can always guarantee that the girls we have will give their all.”

C&K Basildon: Runnacles, King, Xidhas, Porter, Little (Wakefield), Bentick, Rushen, Addison, Sinclair (Mellors), Rodney, Nash (Kellett)