WILL Atkinson insists Southend United must maintain their impressive work-rate if they are to triumph at Hartlepool tomorrow.

Blues have shown incredible energy levels in their opening two games of the season.

And midfielder Atkinson, who has led the way in that area, believes more of the same will be necessary on Saturday if Phil Brown’s side are to come out on top.

“You can be sure that Hartlepool will work extremely hard and make it difficult for us so if we’re going to win the game, we have to win that battle,” said Atkinson, 24.

“If we do that first and then try and start playing the football we’ve played in the last couple of games then we can definitely get the win.

“But we need to try and disrupt them and frustrate the fans.

“If we can do that then we have the ability and quality to get the three points.”

Blues will also be looking to get back to winning ways after being knocked out of the Capital One Cup by Yeovil Town on Tuesday night.

Atkinson memorably reached the final of the competition with Bradford City last season.

However, he still took plenty of confidence from the performance.

“If we’d have been stuffed on Tuesday night confidence could’ve been knocked but we put in a good performance and did well against a Championship side,” said Atkinson.

“We were unlucky to get knocked out but we’re still feeling good and can’t wait for the weekend.”

However, Atkinson is not quite so excited about having to sing to the rest of the squad the night before the game as all the summer signings will have to do.

“I’ve not chosen a song yet but a few of them have mentioned it as it’s my first away game,” said Atkinson.

“There’s quite a few lads so I’m hoping they might forget about one or two of us.”