SOUTHEND United striker Simon Cox has set his sights on continuing the Shrimpers’ late surge up the League One standings.

Blues have risen seventh places in the table since Chris Powell’s appointment and head to struggling Oldham Athletic sitting 13th in the table.

But Cox feels Southend’s upward trend is set to continue.

“Our season is definitely not over,” said the forward.

“There’s always that one team who goes on a late surge and we want that to be us.

“The place is rocking at the moment and there’s a real buzz, so lets see where that can take us.

“We’re certainly not getting carried away and the manager has made sure we only look at things one game at a time.

“So right now we’re only thinking about playing Oldham.”

But Cox is also eager to get back among the goals at Boundary Park.

Jason Demetriou’s brace in last weekend’s 3-1 win against Portsmouth means the right-back has now bagged eight goals this season, one more than Cox.

However, the forward is determined to get back on top.

“If we end the season with our right-back as the top goalscorer then I might have to think about retiring,” laughed Cox.

“Jason has been doing really well and, of course, it’s the team’s results that matter most. As long as we’re doing well I don’t mind who scores, but I’ve been disappointed not to have scored more and hopefully that will change at Oldham.”

Cox has now gone eight games without hitting the back of the net.

But the 30-year-old - who has continued to cause problems with his work-rate and intelligence - is enjoying playing alongside Freddie Ladapo.

“Freddie is exactly the type of striker I liked to play next to,” said Cox.

“He takes all the bumps and bruises and allows me to get into pockets of space. He’s also a lovely lad who is always smiling and looking to learn, so he’s fitted in well.”

However, Cox believes whoever gets selected this weekend will find it tough going on Oldham’s tricky pitch.

“Their pitch makes Roots Hall look like a carpet so we’re in for a difficult game,” he added.