NATHAN Ralph knows Southend United cannot afford a hangover from their FA Cup frustration.

The Shrimpers suffered late heartbreak in their 4-3 defeat to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

But Ralph wants Blues to hold their heads high going into this weekend’s National League clash with Yeovil Town.

And the defender is determined to help Kevin Maher’s side record all three points at Roots Hall.

“It was gutting to go out of the FA Cup and in the manner we did too but there were a lot of positives to take from it,” said Ralph.

“Going toe to toe with a team two leagues above us and nearly coming out on top is a positive I think we can take moving forward.

“That’s the main thing we have to take it from the game and Saturday is very important for us now.”

Blues go into the match sitting 14th in the table.

But Ralph believes the best is yet to come from the Shrimpers.

“It’s still early days and we’re getting stronger,” said Ralph.

“We’ve got the likes of Cav Miley and others coming back and we’re only going to get stronger throughout the season, just like the gaffer says.

“We’ll take it one game at a time but we want to start creeping up the league and we want to start that on Saturday.”

Yeovil currently occupy the final play-off place in seventh.

And Ralph knows his former team will be tough to beat.

“I think I made my professional debut there and I was there for three years,” said the 31-year-old.

“I had some good times there and they’ve had a decent start in the league.

“ It will be a tough game but we’re at Roots Hall again which is nice and it’s a game we want a positive result in.”