ADAM Thompson insists Southend United’s sudden loss of form is not down to nerves.

Blues’ 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday was their fourth setback in five games.

But Thompson does not feel it is down to the team feeling the tension towards the end of the season.

“Everyone is saying it’s down to nerves but I don’t think it is,” said the defender.

“You go through stages in a season when you’re not quite on it and unfortunately we’re suffering one of them at the moment.

“But we’ve dug ourselves out of situations like this in the past and we need to go and do it again now.”

The Shrimpers’ latest setback saw them remain seventh in the table, a point below the play-offs.

And Thompson was unable to hide his frustration at the final whistle.

“We’re gutted, frustrated and disappointed in ourselves,” said the 24-year-old.

“We never really got going and it’s hard to take.

“It’s the same as last week because Millwall have lost again so we’re still in with a chance and we have to remain positive.

“We’re at home to Bury on the last game of the season and we just need to make sure we do the business ourselves before worrying about anyone else.”

“It’s our play-off final and it’s make or break so we have to win.”

But Thompson was keen to point out how much losing to the Shrews had hurt the Shrimpers.

“We can sense the fans are frustrated but, trust me, nobody is more frustrated than the players and staff,” he said.

“We all work so hard in the week and when it doesn’t come off on a matchday you wonder why it hasn’t happened.

"But now we look forward to Sunday and we have to produce.”