11:16am Thursday 18th March 2010
By Chris Phillips
ADAM Barrett expects Carlisle United to be fired up for Saturday’s trip to Roots Hall, despite the distraction of a Wembley cup final.
Just eight days after facing Blues in another huge clash for Steve Tilson’s side, the Cumbrians take on Southampton in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the home of English football.
But Barrett, who played for the Shrimpers in the 2005 final at the Millennium Stadium, believes Carlisle will still be determined to come out on top this weekend.
“Carlisle won’t take it easy on us or take their foot off the pedal just because they have a Wembley cup final coming up,” said Barrett, 30.
“They will want to head in to that game with their confidence sky high and will therefore want a win against us.
“I remember when we were in the same situation and we certainly weren’t thinking about our final until it was the next game.
“It was slightly different because we were going for promotion but Carlisle are a good side and this is going to be a tough, tough game for us.”
Carlisle are currently 11th in the table and have won their last two games which is in stark contrast to Southend who have still not triumphed in 2010.
Subsequently they sit 22nd in the standings, four points from safety.
And Barrett knows Blues must pick up points against Carlisle and then also at home to Walsall the following Tuesday to keep alive their hopes of League One survival.
“It’s a big few days for us and I think we need to get at least four points from these next two games,” said the skipper.
“We need to stay in contact with the sides just above us in the table and we need to stay as solid as we were against Exeter.
“It was positive to keep a clean sheet because we haven’t had many this season but we have to start scoring goals if we are to win games and stay up.
“I don’t know whether it’s belief or confidence, but it is a problem for us at the moment.
“Once we get one, more will follow and it’s the same with wins.
“The effort and commitment is spot on but we want a victory now so we can push on and forget about all the rubbish going on at the club.”
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