SOUTHEND United striker Simon Cox stressed the need to remain upbeat - despite being dejected by Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United.

Cox fired Blues in front against the U’s, but Wes Thomas’ equaliser meant the game ended all square at Roots Hall.

And Cox feels the 14th placed Shrimpers have to stay positive if they are to force their way back up the League One standings.

“As a group of players we all believe and we have to be like that because the time you stop believing is the time you might as well not turn up,” said Cox, who has now scored five goals this season.

“Of course we’re dejected not to have got more points from the last three games and it’s been a frustrating time but we all believe in what we’re doing here.

“It’s a game in hand next up against Oldham and if we win the next two then all of a sudden we’re right back in the mix, so that’s what we have to focus on doing.”

Cox’s goal - which came when he fired home a fine, left wing cross from Stephen McLaughlin - ended a run of four games without a goal and was just his second in his last 10 outings.

And the 30-year-old was therefore thrilled to hit the back of the net against Oxford.

“It’s always nice to score and this was no different, especially as it was in the six yard box,” said Cox.

“It hasn’t been going our way or my way in recent weeks so it was pleasing to see it go in, but unfortunately we weren’t able to see it out until half-time.

“It would obviously have meant more to me if we had won the game.”

However, the Shrimpers were unable to score the second goal they needed to secure all three points.

But Cox was boosted by the number of opportunities being created by his side.

“We’re creating so many chances that we could have hit MK Dons for six on Tuesday night and probably Oxford as well and that’s certainly a positive sign,” said Cox.

“We had two chalked off for offside and it’s just very frustrating at the moment but we have to keep on plugging away.

“The morale is strong and we believe in what we’re doing.

“We go into the next game now and if we keep doing the right things we will start to climb the table quite quickly and someone will be in for a right slapping soon.”