PETER Clarke feels Southend United will soon start to work their way up the League Two table if they keep playing like they did against Tranmere Rovers.

Clarke, who made 150 appearances during a three year spell with the Shrimpers, scored Rovers’ first goal in their 2-0 win against Mark Molesley’s side at Prenton Park.

But the 38-year-old felt it was far from a straightforward victory.

“I thought at times Southend played some good stuff and that performance doesn’t go hand in hand with their League position,” said Clarke.

“I can only speak for the game on Saturday but if they carry on playing like that I believe they will soon start to climb the division.”

Blues sit bottom of the table having failed to win so far this season.

But Clarke feels the Shrimpers will not be in trouble for long if they keep on playing the same way.

“We saw some stuff from the game against Salford in our pre-match build up as well and they caused Salford problems too,” said the defender.

“It seems they’re not always getting the rub of the green and things are going against them.

“But if they carry on working hard and stick to way the manager wants to do things I believe it’s only a matter of time before they lift themselves up from the situation they’re in.”

And Clarke also hopes to see the Shrimpers get back on track after admitting he was sad to see the club struggling.

“I spent three years at the club and I thoroughly enjoyed them,” said Clarke.

“Our eldest was born in Southend and it’s a place we hold dear as a family.

“We make sure she’s well aware of her ties to Southend and where she born and spent the early part of her life.

“To see the club in financial difficulty and to see them bottom of the league is not nice.

“The sooner both issues are solved then the better it will.”

But Clarke remains fully focused on Tranmere and pleased to help them pick up an important three points at the weekend.

“We’ve had one or two issues at the club with player availability, Covid restrictions and protocols,” said Clarke, who was with Blues between 2006 and 2009.

“We needed that win and to get on the scoresheet is always nice.

“We as a group needed a win and hopefully it will help us moving forward as well now.”