Tyler Cordner insists Southend United are desperate to prove 'everyone wrong' as they bid to avoid relegation

The second from bottom Shrimpers have been written off by many in their bid to stay up.

But Cordner is keen for Blues to battle back from a number of painful setbacks and prove they have what it takes to pick up the points needed to survive.

“It was a real shame what happened with Tim (Dieng) and the FA and we felt as though the whole world was against us after that,” said the centre-back.

“It’s only us in that changing room, the chairman and the people behind the club who really believe in us.

“But it’s time for us lot to stand up and be counted and be heroes to prove everyone wrong.”

Blues breathed life back into their survival hopes with a vital 1-0 victory at Harrogate Town on Saturday.

And Cordner felt it was a match the Shrimpers simply had to win for a variety of reasons.

“We knew it was must win for us,” said Cordner.

“But we had done a good week of prep and we went on the attack really.

“I wasn’t here at the time but I’d heard it wasn’t great game for us against them on the opening day and we felt like we owed them one too.

“The whole week was about how they annihilated us and the way they were towards us wasn’t great either apparently.

“We felt like we owed them one and I was happy to play a part in it.”

Cordner, who is on loan at Blues from Bournemouth, replaced the injured John White at half-time at Wetherby Road And the 22-year-old insists he will always be ready when required.

“I’m always ready to be called upon,” said Cordner.

“Shaun (Hobson) and Whitey have done well at the back and they’ve been a partnership all season so they know each other well which helps too.

“I certainly can’t ask why I’m not playing or anything like that and I’ve had to wait for my opportunity.

“Whether I get another couple of games now Whitey is injured or if he’s back I just have to make sure I’m ready like I was on Saturday.”

Blues have yet to discover the full extent of White’s arm injury.

But the setback has seen Hobson rekindle a partnership from his past.

“I’ve played with Shaun before at Bournemouth,” said Cordner.

“We had been out on loan to different teams at different times but when we were about 19 or 20 we played together a few times.

“We know each other’s strengths and weakness and if I do get called upon then at least we know each other already.”

Blues’ win at Harrogate means they sit now three just three points behind 22nd placed Barrow.

And Cordner is now desperate to build on the victory when the Shrimpers host Carlisle United at Roots Hall on Saturday “We’ve had Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday recently but this midweek there’s no game which is a shame because we have momentum after Saturday,” said Cornder.

“But it does give us a good week to prepare for Carlisle.

“They’ve fizzled out after a good start and aren’t in great form so hopefully we can get another good result.

“There’s no reason why we couldn’t win all our games but we won’t think too far ahead.”

However, Blues have gone eight games without a win at Roots Hall and have also failed to score in their five outings at home, something Cordner is keen to help change.

“Whenever we get the chance you’ve got to go up there and do what you can,” said Cordner.

“We have to get as many people in the box as we can, especially big lumps like me.

“Someone like me will bring positives to other players in our team because it will probably draw out the aerial threat in our opponents.

“That can free up another one of our big lads and that’s something we look into.

“I want to contribute at that end and I need to as well if I can but the main thing is I help to try and keep that clean sheet.”