8:50am Friday 19th March 2010
By Chris Phillips
SOUTHEND United manager Steve Tilson has told his struggling team they must still believe they can escape relegation this season.
The Shrimpers, who host Carlisle United at Roots Hall tomorrow, have not won in 11 matches and remain four points from safety.
But Tilson, whose side are 22nd in the League One standings, wants Blues to keep on battling in their bid to stay up.
“It’s going to be a hard task for us from here but we have to keep on believe it’s still possible,” said the 43-year-old Blues boss.
“We have to keep on plugging away and give it our all in all the games we have left.
“We haven’t won in 11 games so it’s going to be hard, especially as I think we need to get to 50 points to stay up but while it’s mathematically still possible we will give it everything we’ve got.”
Southend currently have 33 points and will need to start converting more of the chances coming their way if they are to pull off a great escape.
Blues have hit the back of the net just four times in the last seven games and Tilson knows that is not enough.
“We have to score more goals and hopefully that can start against Carlisle,” he said.
“They have won their last two games so will be full of confidence but we’re creating opportunities and just need to start putting them away.”
Southend also kept a rare clean sheet against Exeter City last Saturday.
And centre-back Pat Baldwin is hoping that can be the sign of things to come.
“If we keep shutting sides out then we’re going to pick up points,” said the defender who is on loan from Colchester United until the end of the season.
“Keeping a clean sheet has given us all a boost and we will keep on fighting despite the situation and circumstances at the club right now.”
Blues have been boosted by the return of midfielder Alan McCormack from suspension for this weekend’s game but are still without Jean-Francois Christophe who is banned.
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