Tilson's side have now recorded back-to-back wins

Southend United manager Steve Tilson said his young side are up to the task of climbing up the League One table.

The Blues claimed a second successive win on Saturday with a 4-3 victory at Crewe to leave them 12th in the league.

Tilson told BBC Essex: "We have to be patient with the youngsters we've got. They're going to make mistakes and take time to gel with each other.

"I'd love to get in the top six, but we're not quite where I want us to be yet, but they are up for the fight."

Tilson added that whilst the seven-goal thriller at Gresty Road was good for the fans, it was a little more fraught on the touchline.

"They gave me kittens," he admitted. "But it was a great game to watch and if you could predict you're going to win 4-3 every game, I'll take that over a 1-0."