THERE were plenty of positives to take from our opening game of the season at Brighton last weekend.

We put in a solid workman-like performance that saw us do well in the first half and deservedly go in at the break in front. We knew that we would come under pressure in the second period, but we dug deep, defended well and showed tremendous discipline and endeavour to secure the victory and get the season off to the best possible start.

Looking back at Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Accrington Stanley, I was disappointed that that we didn't kick-on after the opening goal. The red card for Rhys Weston made life difficult for us and we had to change things around whilst still being positive.

It was a lack of concentration that cost us dear in the end and now the key is to pick ourselves up and ensure that we make an immediate return to winning ways.

Obviously it is important to pick up results at home and we want to start as we mean to go on against Southend United.

Our visitors come here looking to build on last year. They are a solid, well-oranised side who will make life tough for us.

With the players we have here this season, there are more people who can create and put teams on the back-foot. We have to be able to take our chances and establish a level of consistency.

I would like to thank those supporters who followed us to Brighton and Accrington and hope that you will give us plenty of backing on Saturday.

CHRIS HUTCHINGS