SOUTHEND United’s Simon Cox is hoping his blossoming strike partnership with Nile Ranger can show the Shrimpers mean business this season.

The duo have netted five goals between them in the five games they have started together so far this season.

And Cox now wants the impressive strike ratio to continue against second placed Bradford City on Saturday in a game the forward believes will show how Blues compare with the top teams in League One.

“I think the game this weekend is going to show us where we are as a group, whatever the outcome may be,” said Cox.

“Bradford are a very strong team and certainly one of the best in the league so it will be a good test.

“It will be interesting to see how we compare to them but we’re going into the game full of confidence and it’s certainly going well for Nile and myself at the moment so hopefully we can keep that going.”

Cox and Ranger both netted in Blues’ 4-1 win at Bury last weekend.

And Cox is relishing playing alongside the former Newcastle United forward.

“Nile is certainly my ideal kind of strike partner,” said the 29-year-old.

“He’s someone who can take all the bumps and bruises and is very strong.

“He causes teams problem and is also really good on the ball plus he’s getting better all the time as his fitness starts to improves so it’s definitely encouraging for the whole team.”

Blues have also been boosted by a five match unbeaten run in League One which has taken them up into the top half of the table for the first time this season.

Phil Brown’s side are currently 12th in the standings.

And Cox is keen for the upward momentum to continue.

“Picking up points with positive performances is always going to make everyone feel better and that’s certainly the case for us at the moment,” said the striker, who is four goals away from completing a career century.

“Winning at Bury like that certainly gave us all a boost especially as they have former Premier League players in their starting line up like Leon Barnett, James Vaughan and Tom Soares.

“We were all delighted with the win and for personally it was nice to get a goal, even though it wasn’t the sweetest of strikes.

“Something similar would be great on Saturday and it would be great if we could keep up the good run we’re on.”