DAVE Penney has called on Southend United to heap more misery on struggling Carlisle this weekend.

The Cumbrians were relegated from League One last season and have yet to win so far this term.

And the Blues’ assistant manager is keen for Carlisle’s winless streak, which heads back to April, to continue this weekend.

“It’s hard for a club on a downward spiral to turn things around and I know that from personal experience so hopefully we can get the points tomorrow,” said Penney.

“I don’t think it will be long until Carlisle are picking up points again and when that happens winning suddenly becomes a habit and you don’t know what you’ve really done differently.

“But we’ve had all of Carlisle’s games watched so far this season and they’ve been tinkering with a few different formations to try and find what suits them best.

“However, we’ve been told there were excellent against Cheltenham in their last game and were unlucky not to lose so we know we’re in for a very difficult game.”

Blues head in to the game also looking to get back on track after being beaten 1-0 by AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.

But Penney still feels there was not much wrong with the Shrimpers’ display against the Dons.

“If we were to play like we did against AFC Wimbledon every week then we would win the league,” said the former Doncaster Rovers boss.

“I think we had something like 67 per cent of the possession and 19 shots at goal.

“Their goalkeeper had a night he won’t ever forget but it was all still very positive from our point of view and there are no negatives thoughts ahead of the game at Carlisle.”

And the Shrimpers have also been boosted ahead of the 680 mile round trip by the return of Will Atkinson.

The midfielder missed Blues’ last two matches after picking up an eye injury against Walsall in the Capital One Cup.

But he has now been given the all clear to return to action.

“Will has been told by the doctor that he’s OK to train and providing he suffers no reaction he will travel up to Carlisle with us,” said Penney.

“It will be good to have him back.”