DOVER Athletic boss Andy Hessenthaler feels Southend United will be pushing for promotion next season.

The Shrimpers made it six games unbeaten with a 1-0 win against the Kent club on Saturday.

And Hessenthaler, who also praised Blues’ travelling fans, believes Kevin Maher’s side will be higher up the table next term.

“I thought it was a good atmosphere out there,” Hessenthaler told Dover's YouTube channel.

“Credit to our fans and credit to their fans too.

“They’ve got wonderful fans with the situation they’re in.

“They’re a long way from getting promoted after coming down last year but I’m sure they will be pushing next season.”

Blues are now 16th in the National League standings.

But Hessenthaler felt there was little between the two teams on Saturday.

“In the first half they had a chance where Parkesy (Adam Parkes) has made a great save from a corner where we switched off and they had a free header they should have done better with too,” said Hessenthaler.

“There wasn’t much in the game in the first half but in the second we pushed Michael (Gyasi) up and he was causing them problems.

“He put one over the bar but to be fair to him it did bobble at the last minute.

“They didn’t look like scoring and I thought we looked quite comfortable but one lapse in concentration from a set piece and we’ve been punished.

“It was a good finish but we will need to watch the video and see who was supposed to be on the edge of the box because they’ve made a mistake.”

Dover came close to equalising when Koby Arthur sent a low shot against the inside of the left post and Hessenthaler felt his side did not deserve the home defeat.

“We hit the post and if that goes in I think it would’ve been a fair reflection on the game,” said Hessenthaler.

“I think a point each would’ve been fair and I’m disappointed because we deserved something out of the game.”

Dover remain bottom of the table with just one win to their name this season.