Steve Tilson is hoping Southend United can start to get the rub of the green when it comes to hitting the target in the final third.

The Blues chief was happy with the performance at Huddersfield Town last week despite a 2-1 defeat and believes it is a case of continuing what they are doing by encouraging the players to get into the box ahead of Saturday's match at home to Wycombe Wanderers.

Scott Spencer came off the bench to score on his debut for the club at Huddersfield, but Tilson admits that he cannot be seen as a direct replacement for Lee Barnard, who joined Southampton today.

"Scott came on and scored last week, but people can't get carried away," Steve told Blues Player.

"He has got to prove himself and maybe look at extending his contract for next season. He is not one you can say is going to replace Lee Barnard.

"I thought that we were the better side at Huddersfield last week, but we were punished for conceding two soft goals.

"It is all about putting the ball in the net and we have to keep getting into the positions to score.

"My worry would be if we weren't getting in the area and the lads were shy of getting in the box and missing, but that's not the case and we need to just keep encouraging the players to get in the box and hope the goals go in."

There was a boost in defence, with Jean-Yves M'Voto involved in the midweek reserve match at Ipswich Town, but Tilson feels that this is an area of the team he still needs to strengthen.

"Jean played 45 minutes for the reserves, but he is probably not ready to play yet," he said.

"Every other club has three or four centre backs and we just have one, so we are certainly still looking for another one."