WILL Atkinson feels Southend United must start to hit the back of the net on a more regular basis if they are to push for promotion this season.

Seventh placed Blues have hit the back of the net 26 times in 21 league games so far this term but that is fewer than any other team in the top 13.

And Atkinson is therefore keen to for more players to start chipping in with goals, starting with the Boxing Day clash at AFC Wimbledon.

“I do feel that more of us need to start getting the goals, including us in midfield, to help us pick up more good results,” said Atkinson, 25.

“Kevan Hurst is on fire at the moment and has scored eight goals while Anthony Straker has got a few as well.

“But it’s up to the rest of us now to share around the goals a bit more.”

The first opportunity for that to happen will come at AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day.

The Shrimpers head in to the game on the back of Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Rochdale at Roots Hall.

And Atkinson believes the team were boosted by their performance against Keith Hill’s team.

“When we’ve lost a game this season we’ve often had a bad run and maybe gone on to lose a few more but that wasn’t the case on Friday as we got the draw,” said the midfielder.

“We’ve stopped the rot early now and it was a good point too against a good team in quite difficult conditions.

“We’re now all ready for the AFC Wimbledon game and trying to make sure we get the three points.”

Atkinson is also keen to play a prominent part in the game after being recalled to the starting line-up against Rochdale.

The energetic midfielder had been on the bench for Blues’ previous game at Torquay.

But he had no complaints at having to wait to regain his place after the Shrimpers saw off Chesterfield 3-1 while he was out suspended.

“If you get injured or suspended in this squad then you know you might have to wait to get back in again,” said Atkinson.

“I had no complaints about not being in the team against Torquay because the team had done well at Chesterfield.

“However, I thought I did OK against Rochdale so hopefully I can stay in for the Wimbledon game and help us get a good result because it’s an important match."