SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher believes Boston United will have learnt lessons from their tough start to the season.

Newly promoted Boston visit Roots Hall tonight sitting bottom of the National League table after suffering back to back defeats.

But Maher is certain the Pilgrims and boss Ian Culverhouse will soon start getting to grips with playing at a higher level.

“Promoted teams come up and there is a level of difference of course,” said Maher.

“Ian is extremely experienced and will be working it out.

“A couple of results haven’t gone the way they would’ve wanted but I’m sure they will learn from that.

“They will want to improve and I’m sure they will cause us a problem.

“We’ve watched their games and they’ve played some good stuff in them.

“They’ve had chances themselves and I’m sure they’ll be working hard to come and get a result.”

Boston, who were promoted via the National League North play-off last season, were beaten 3-0 by Rochdale on the opening day of the season before losing 4-0 at home to Forest Green Rovers last weekend.

However, Maher is only focusing on his own side’s form and trying to pick up the first win of the season after kicking off the campaign with back to back draws.

“As soon as the game finished on Saturday we started to look forward to this one,” said the Blues head coach.

“We try and win every game and Tuesday night is no different.

“We’ll go into it looking to try and get a result.

“We’ll keep trying to do the right things all the time, ask questions of our opponents and see where it takes us.

“At home we want to perform and give our fans something to cheer about.”

Tonight’s match is the start of a busy period for Blues who face four games in the space of 12 days.

But Maher is only thinking about tonight’s encounter.

“We’re not looking too far ahead,” said the 47-year-old.

“We’re focusing on Tuesday night’s game and getting the performance right.

“We need to be bang at it to get a result.”

Maher must decide whether or not to recall Jack Bridge to the starting line-up after starting him among the substitutes at Hartlepool United on Saturday.

And the Shrimpers chief will also make a late check on Oli Coker who was clattered into against Hartlepool.

“He got a whack so he was in on Sunday for treatment,” said Maher.

“We will see how he is.”

Should Coker be passed fit to play he could come up against a familiar face in the centre of the park as ex Shrimpers midfielder Dan Mooney joined Boston during the summer.