NATHAN Ferguson insists Southend United will refuse to accept relegation is now inevitable.

Following Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Exeter City, the Shrimpers sit six points from safety with just four games to go.

But Ferguson feels Blues are playing well enough to still have a chance of staying up.

“If we keep playing like we are at the moment, we have a chance,” said Ferguson.

“We just need a few goals to go in and we haven’t been playing badly at all.

“Once one goes in we can build on it and go from there but we know we have to go to Colchester on Tuesday and get a win."

The Shrimpers will head to the Community Stadium on the back of a second successive goalless draw.

But Ferguson thought Blues should have picked up more than a point against Exeter and admitted he should have helped that happen by converting an excellent chance at the start of the second half.

"I thought we should have won by a couple of goals to be honest," said Ferguson.

"I had a good chance with a free header I should’ve scored but I thought we were a bit unlucky to only get a point in the end.

"We hit the crossbar and on another day that goes in.

"I think they even thought we were going to score but once we do the confidence can grow from there."

The Shrimpers have now failed to score in nine of their last 12 games, the last two of which have been with Phil Brown in charge.

And Ferguson feels the change of management has already made a difference.

"The new manager hasn't changed much but everyone has a smile on their face and that’s the main thing," said the 25-year-old.

"Everything is positive but we take it game by game and just look to win the next one which is Colchester."