RICKY Holmes insists Southend United are not 'dead and buried' in their bid to stay up.

The second from bottom Shrimpers are four points from safety with just five games to go following Saturday's 0-0 draw with Crawley Town.

But Holmes is still certain Blues can work their way out of trouble.

"The fight and the belief is definitely there and we’re not dead and buried," said Holmes.

"We could’ve lost it on another day but we could’ve won it too.

"That’s been the story of the last couple of months but there was another clean sheet so we have got something to build on.

"We’re in every game but we’ve got to start taking our chances because we are running out of games."

Blues head to Exeter City this weekend and Holmes is keen to see an improved attacking display.

"We’ve got to be a bit brighter at the top end of the pitch, myself included," said Holmes.

"We’ve got to do it together and it’s the whole squad.

"Everyone was here today and we’re all fighting for the same cause.

"We’re fighting for our careers and for this club."