MICHAEL Walther insists it is important to surround Michael Ogboin with positive vibes after the striker made a goalscoring start to his Southend Manor career.

Ogboin scored on his Manor debut in the 3-3 Essex Senior League draw at Takeley.

And Walther believes Ogboin already showed he will prove to be a success at Southchurch Park.

Manor chief Walther said: “He is good and a big, powerful lad.

“He can cause trouble for defenders but we need to be positive with him.

“Even if things are not going his way, we have to make him confident.

“When he is confident, he is very difficult for defenders to stop at this level.

“We decided to go with him in a front three alongside Larry Akanbi and Ryan Imbert.

“It worked well and being brave worked.”

Manor fought back from a two-goal deficit to take a 3-2 lead thanks to an Akanbi brace and Ogboin slotting home.

But Takeley snatched a share of the spoils thanks to a leveller deep in injury time.

Despite the late setback, Walther insists Manor should remain upbeat.

“We have got to look at it as a point gained rather than two points dropped because Takeley are such a good side,” added Walther.

“It was a fantastic result and we have great team spirit.

“We conceded two soft goals and I asked the players to go out and win the second half.

“Larry scored with two wonderful finishes and Michael got off the mark, so it was a great fightback.”