AFTER suffering a dire defeat at Port Vale a fortnight, Southend United seemed to be staring a second successive relegation firmly in the face.

Mark Molesley’s side found themselves 4-0 down in the first half at Vale Park and seemed to be lacking the quality and character needed to be anywhere near securing survival this season.

But since then the Shrimpers have been able to work their way off the canvas.

And an impressive 1-0 win at promotion chasing Newport County was followed by a deserved share of the spoils at League Two leaders Cambridge United on Saturday.

The game survived a late inspection due to the freezing conditions and, despite the hosts’ lofty placing, it was Blues who adjusted better to the artic conditions and looked the likeliest to win.

The Shrimpers again lined up with a back four and definitely look far more comfortable both individually and collectively when that is the case.

John White and Shaun Hobson had both looked far less assured when the system was altered and Blues went with five at the back.

But the duo have been back to their best alongside only each other and have now shut out two of the League’s top teams in quick succession.

The point on Saturday also saw the Shrimpers work their way out of the relegation zone for the first time since October and Molesley’s side are now right back in the fight for survival.

However, Blues are still in deep danger and a lot still needs to be done if relegation is to be avoided.

And a closer look at the League table further underlines the predicament the Shrimpers are in.

Southend are 22nd in the standings, one place and one point above the relegation zone.

But Barrow, who sit immediately below Blues, still have three games in hand and also boast a vastly superior goal difference.

Plenty of twists and turns still lie in store but there is at least some hope for the Shrimpers now.

That also includes the performances of midfielder Nathan Ferguson who has looked strong in the centre of the park since his recent arrival from Crawley Town.

He performed well on Saturday but there is still one glaringly obvious problem for Blues, scoring goals.

The Shrimpers have now hit the back of the 18 times in 28 League Two outings and scored fewer goals than any other team in the Football League.

Just five goals have been netted by Blues in 14 away games while James Olayinka and Tom Clifford are joint top scorers with just three efforts to their name.

It is easy to say this must improve for Southend to secure safety but it is trickier to suggest just how that can be done.

Attention will, of course, immediately be put on the strikers, but Blues are also creating very little going forward and the only save Cambridge goalkeeper Callum Burton had to make at the weekend came from an overhit clearance from his opposite number Mark Oxley.

Adding to that, no Shrimpers player has more than two assists to their name this season and confidence and conviction must now also be an obvious issue.

However, Blues are still able to bring in attacking reinforcements and do still have a trio of free agents training with them.

Ricky Holmes is one of those and he would certainly bring added quality to the Shrimpers.

The winger has struggled with his fitness in recent times but lined up for Northampton Town in League One earlier this season and, having grown up supporting Blues, he would also be desperate to impress.

Jay Simpson and Nile Ranger are also still training with the Shrimpers but, after prolonged periods of inactivity, would the strikers be able to make an instant impression at Roots Hall?

Ranger has not played professionally since being let go by Blues in January 2018 while Simpson has also not played at all this season.

However, a head injury to Simeon Akinola on Saturday could hasten the need for a new striker as the forward needed a lengthy spell of treatment before having to make way late on at the Abbey Stadium.

But, with 18 games still to go, Blues simply have to find a way to improve going forward.

And, with those already at the club having so far struggled to threaten opposing defences it could be time for a change and to bring in someone and something different if the recent progression is to ultimately lead to relegation being avoided.