ADAM Peek thinks Southend Manor can hold their heads up high despite being knocked out of the Essex Senior Cup thanks to a 5-0 defeat to East Thurrock United.

Braces from Ryan Scott and Ben Marlow, along with an impressive Roman Michael-Percil strike, allowed Rocks to see off Manor.

But Manor boss Peek felt his side were impressive for the opening 70 minutes.

“We matched them for the first 70 minutes and I think if someone said one team was in the National League South and the other was in the Essex Senior League, you’d say they were lying,” said Peek.

“We started the second half well and they were rattled.

“Their goalkeeper (Jack Giddens) made two saves and then they caught us on the break.

“We collapsed in the last 20 minutes and they scored three in the last 12 minutes as their fitness told.”

Manor, who are 18th, welcome third-placed Takeley to Southchurch Park for an Essex Senior League clash tomorrow.