Grant has made 72 league starts since joining Southend in 2008

Midfielder Anthony Grant says Southend United are fully capable of mixing it up at the top end of League Two.

The Shrimpers were beaten 2-1 by high-flying Chesterfield on Saturday, but could count themselves unlucky not to pick up any points.

Grant, 23, told BBC Essex: "Every game's difficult, but knowing the players we've got in this squad we're good players.

"With our ability we can match any team in this league if we give our all."

The Spirites halted a four-game unbeaten run in all competitions for Paul Sturrock's men.

But Grant is taking positives from the chances they had, particularly two late on for Josh Simpson and Louie Soares.

606: DEBATE Grant, who looked good all game, passed the ball into net after a bit of ping pong in the box Whybblue

"Josh holds his hands up, so does Louie. They know they should have scored," Grant said.

"They'll get another chance and Soares has already hit the back of the net this season and so has Josh.

"They'll be raring to go next week and will hopefully get on the scoresheet and put that behind them."

Goal scoring has not been a problem for former Chelsea trainee Grant, who had found the net just once in his whole career before this season, but took his tally to five for the campaign against Chesterfield.

"It's good to get on the scoresheet, that's five now and hopefully I can get to 10 before Christmas," he added.

"I'll keep hitting the ball and hopefully it will end up in the back of the net somehow."

Crewe, who are one place below Southend, come to Roots Hall on Saturday.

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