SOUTHEND United skipper Sam Mantom has called on the Shrimpers to stick together as they seek to get back on track against Scunthorpe tonight.

The Shrimpers head into the clash on the back of four successive defeats, sitting 15th in the League One standings.

And Mantom - who was with the Iron before joining Blues initially on loan in January - is determined to get back to winning ways.

“We’ve done our work on Scunthorpe but everyone needs to try and get behind the team and hopefully we’ll make it a positive night,” said Mantom.

“We need to get out of this bad patch and if everyone sticks together I’m sure we will.

“It’s a big game but we need to take it as just another game.”

Mantom will also be playing against a number of familiar faces this evening, having spent two years with Scunthorpe.

But the 26-year-old made just 20 starts for the Iron and remains frustrated not to have made more appearances.

“I never really got going,” said Mantom.

“I wasn’t ever able to put a run of game together.

“I had knocks so I would come out of the team and then find it hard to get back in.

“Everyone has a period in their career when they struggle with injuries and that was mine, unfortunately.

“But I’ve moved on now and I’m looking to produce performances for Southend.”

Scunthorpe have also endured a stuttering start to the season and are currently 18th in the League One standings.

And Mantom is relishing the contest.

“I’m looking forward to the game,” said the midfielder.

“I still know a few faces there and there are some good people at the club.

“It’s just a shame I didn’t get the chance to show what I could do but I’m focusing on Southend now and this should be a good game for us.”

However, Mantom is also determined to make it a match which sees the Shrimpers get back on track.

“We’ve lost four on the spin and it obviously doesn’t make for great reading and we want to put things right,” said Mantom.

“We’ve had some tough games within that but we need to bounce back now.

“We have a good team spirit which will help but we want to put things right.

“Things can change quickly and one win will make everyone positive again. We want to get back to what we were doing before those losses and produce our best form.”