Southend United's Ryan Cresswell: We're all fired up for Rochdale test (From Echo)

Southend United's Ryan Cresswell: We're all fired up for Rochdale test

9:00am Friday 22nd March 2013 in Sport By Chris Phillips

RYAN Cresswell believes Southend United will face Rochdale with renewed vigour tomorrow.

Blues’ hopes of reaching the end of the season play-offs were all but ended by three poor results at Roots Hall in the space of seven days.

But, after the third of those games – a terrible 2-0 defeat against struggling Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night - Southend’s players held clear the air talks in the dressing room.

And Cresswell believes that discussion will result in an improved showing at Spotland this weekend.

“I think after the talk we all had the other night that we will come out with a much better attitude against Rochdale tomorrow,” said the centre-back.

“The last few games have been a massive disappointment for the football club and there’s no hiding that.

“However, we have another game tomorrow and there is no way we’re going to just let this season fizzle out and just focus on the JPT final at Wembley.

“That’s a massive no, no and we’re aiming to put in a much better performance in order to try and get all three points at Rochdale.”

Blues head in to the game sitting eighth in the League Two table, six points below the play-offs with seven games to go.

Southend have now also played a match more the two teams above them in the standings.

But Cresswell is refusing to give up on a top seven finish.

“You can never say never in football and we will still be going all out for the play-offs,” said the 25-year-old, who suffered no reaction to returning from a calf injury against Plymouth.

“We have to get the three points tomorrow though but that will not be an easy task.

“Keith Hill is back in charge of Rochdale now and when he was there before he got them promoted so I’m sure he will have them organised.

“They drew with Gillingham in their last game so we know how hard the game will be.

“But we’re fired up to put things right and get back to winning ways.

“Our away form has been good this season and we want to keep that going before trying to sort out our results at Roots Hall which is not something we’re shying away from.”