David Livermore has called on Albion to keep their unbeaten start to the season going in their toughest test so far.

The Seagulls face Southend, who reached the play-offs last season, at Roots Hall on Friday night after surrendering their 100 per cent record at home to Bristol Rovers.

Livermore is not too disheartened by Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Rovers at Withdean on his full debut, which followed wins over Crewe and Barnet.

The former Hull and Millwall utility player said: “We hit the ground running with two fantastic performances in the first two games.

“We’ve set ourselves a high standard and it is going to be difficult to keep hitting that standard week in, week out but a sign of a good team is when they fall below standard they get a result.

“We didn’t get the three points but we are unbeaten and if we are going to gain promotion you need to go on little unbeaten runs. We have started that way and we want to continue it on Friday against Southend.

“It is always a tough place to go. They had a decent season last season and they have got a good manager in Steve Tilson.

“They have just been to Millwall and got a 1-1 draw so we are expecting a tough game.”

Livermore is hoping to keep his place after starting against Rovers at left-back and ending the match in his preferred central midfield role.

He said: “When you work hard pre-season you want to be in the eleven so I was obviously disappointed not to start on the opening day at Crewe.

“But Virgs (Adam Virgo) has got three goals in three games and it is about the team, not individuals.

“It’s a squad game these days. Everyone is going to get his chance and hopefully I have done enough to stay in the team on Friday.”

Jonny Dixon equalised from the penalty spot in the first half as Albion Reserves drew 1-1 in a friendly away to Havant and Waterlooville last night.