SOUTHEND & EMT skipper Tom Phillippe insists his side will be heading to Ilford in positive spirits this weekend - despite their difficult start to the Premier Division season.

Southend have not triumphed in their opening three games of the campaign and currently sit bottom of the table.

But Phillippe - whose team were hit by a 25 points deduction before the season got underway - is refusing to get downbeat so early on in the campaign.

“It’s been a tough start of the season,” said Phillippe.

“We have been trying hard but not clicking the way we know we should.

“There have been stand out performances that have not been backed up by the rest of the team.

“We know it’s a tough league and we’re not on the top of our game at the moment and that is hurting us.

“But it’s a long season and we will remain positive as had we not had the points deduction we wouldn’t be on the bottom.

“We’re a win away from being a confident and a very strong team competing against everyone in the league.”

Last time out, Southend were beaten by six wickets against Hornchurch.

But Phillippe still felt there were positives to take.

“There was positives,” said Phillippe.

“Lew Wright and Charlie Lockhart did well with the bat and Scott Simmons with the ball.

“But in all honesty it was disappointing to come away with only five points against a weakened Hornchurch side.

“We need to pick ourselves up and go again this weekend against Ilford.”

Also in the Premier Division this weekend, Hadleigh head to Wanstead & Snaresbrook.

And Hadleigh’s press officer David Williams is expecting another difficult encounter.

“Obviously playing against the current national champions is going to be tough,” said Williams.

“But I think if you look at how we have performed so far in this division there are times when we have been on top.

“Should we find ourselves in similar situations then we need to be more ruthless and stay on top.

“They’re obviously a very good side, as we found out two years ago in the League Cup semi final.

“But while I know everyone is enjoying the experience of playing in the top division in the county we all know we can improve on our performances so far.”

Billericay have also yet to win so far this season and they host Shenfield this weekend.

Billericay - who were promoted last season - go into the game sitting seventh in the table, one place higher than their opponents.