NATHAN Ralph says Southend United’s fighting spirit has been garnered by the club’s off-field issues this season.

Blues - who head to AFC Fylde tomorrow - have taken 12 points from losing positions in their last 12 games.

And Ralph believes coming through the Shrimpers’ financial chaos brought the team closer together.

“No-one wants to go through those situations but if you do try to take a positive from it then I think all that really made us close as a group,” said Ralph.

“We’re really tight knit and I think a lesser team doesn’t get through this like we have.

“With the boys we’ve got they almost manage themselves and the characters we’ve got they get through it because they have the right attitude towards things.

“We’re all singing from the same hymn sheet and just get on with it.

“We don’t make excuses and it’s shown with how well we’ve done.”

Blues make their first ever trip to Mill Farm unbeaten in their last 14 games.

Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at Wealdstone saw the Shrimpers move ninth in the National League standings.

And Ralph is delighted with how Kevin Maher’s side have coped with the issues coming their way, including a 10 point deduction.

“I’m really proud of the boys and the whole footballing staff in general,” said the skipper.

“The boys are on a great run at the minute and we’re 14 unbeaten now which is unbelievable to be fair.

“We’ve got two more games this season and we’ll look to get the maximum points.”

Blues have won three of their last four games to sit four points behind the play-offs with two games to go.

And Ralph was pleased to add to the tally with a 2-1 win at Wealdstone on Tuesday.

“Going behind it’s another one where we’ve fought back and got the goals we needed,” said the defender.

“It’s pleasing we can carry on throughout the 90 minutes and it’s been a constant theme throughout the season.

“It’s something we pride ourselves on.”

Ralph brought Blues back level with a well-taken equaliser at Wealdstone.

And the 31-year-old is pleased with how his own season has panned. out.

“I’m pleased,” said the defender who has made 35 appearances this term.

“I had an issue with my ankle towards the start of the season but since then I’ve had a good run of games and I feel good for it.

“I’ve got some momentum up but it’s something I always knew I could do.”