SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is demanding a strong reaction to tonight’s 3-0 defeat to Dagenham.

The setback brought to end Blues’ impressive 13 match unbeaten run in the National League.

But Maher now wants to see an immediate improvement against Altrincham at Roots Hall this weekend.

“The main thing now is how we respond,” said the Blues boss.

“There was always going to be a game where it didn’t happen for us and we’re disappointed with how it happened tonight because I don’t think that was us.

“But we’ll put it behind us and look to respond on Saturday.”

Blues remain 12th in the standings and Maher is pleased with the progress being made since his arrival in October.

“We will talk everything through on Thursday but to go from where we were to where we are now is huge and that’s everyone at the club,” said Maher.

“There will be blips along the way and it was never going to be an upward curve the whole way.

“I won’t go overboard on them about tonight because they still gave everything.”