SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is taking nothing for granted at Dover Athletic this weekend.

Dover remain bottom of the National League standings despite bagging their first win of the season on Tuesday night.

But Maher, whose Blues side are unbeaten in five league games, feels the hosts will be difficult to beat.

“It will be another tough one on Saturday,” said Maher.

“Hess’(Andy Hessenthaler) teams will always be competitive.

“When we played them at home they were in the game for long periods and they will be buoyed by the win they had against Eastleigh on Tuesday.

“It’s a difficult game but it’s one we’ll be ready for.”

Dover’s win on Tuesday was their first in 364 days but they remain at the foot of the table, on minus five points.

The Kent club were handed a 12 point penalty after not fulfilling their fixtures last season and appear certainties for relegation.

However, Maher will not allow Blues to drop below the standards which have now been set.

“This league is so tough and if you’re not on it, against whoever you play, then you will come unstuck, very easily,” said Maher.

“Saturday is no different.

“We will prepare properly and make sure the standards they’ve set remain the same.”

But Maher is pleased with the progress made.

“We’ve come a long time in a short space of time but there will be bumps along the road, we know that,” said Maher.

“If the players keep applying themselves like they have done and respond to little setbacks then it’s a really good sign.

“Everyone is positive at the moment, there’s competition for places and everyone is looking forward to Saturday.”