Southend's Michael Timlin wants positive response after defeats

Southend's Michael Timlin has urged the team to stand up and be counted after a difficult start to the new season.

Following a 4-0 defeat at Peterborough in the Capital One Cup, the Shrimpers were beaten 1-0 at home by Accrington in their opening League Two fixture.

"We're up against it, we've got to make sure we come to the table now," the 27-year-old midfielder told BBC Essex.

"It's not about being boys out there, it's about being men and taking responsibility when things happen."

Southend reached the promotion play-offs last season but lost 3-2 on aggregate to Crewe, who went on to clinch a place in League One.

Despite that, Timlin believes other sides will regard Southend differently this season.

"We've got to put a huge demand on ourselves this year because last year we probably snuck in the back door when no-one expected us to be there.

"People are expecting us to be up there this year - everyone's written us up already, but we have to prove it," he said.

Southend dominated much of the game against Accrington, only to succumb to a header from a set-piece.

"It was the same as last year. We got up for the so-called big games - it's the teams in and around the mid-table when we tend to struggle.

"It's going to be a different mentality this year. We've got to have more of a desire," Timlin added.

"I think that was probably lacking against Accrington - everyone was obviously tired but so were they, everyone was in the same boat and we've got to learn from it."