SOUTHEND United’s head coach Kevin Maher has called for a positive mindset ahead of Tuesday night’s crunch clash with relegation rivals Maidenhead at Roots Hall.

Blues, who sit just above the drop zone, are one place and three points behind this tomorrow’s visitors.

And Maher is keen to see his side on the front foot.

“It’s a big game, we know that and I’m sure the lads are looking forward to it so let’s go into it with a positive mindset and get a result,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“We will pay our opponents utmost respect but we’re at home and we should be looking to go and get results in all of our home games.

“It’s important we impose ourselves on the game and we want to give the fans something to cheer.”

The Shrimpers have been beaten in five of their six games since Maher’s appointment.

But the Blues boss felt there were positives to take from Friday night’s 1-0 defeat at Grimsby Town.

“As disappointed as we were the other night there were still positives to take even though it was a defeat,” said Maher.

“We feel as though we close but we can’t come away from the standards and intensity we train at and hopefully that leads to getting more results and points.”

But Maher knows Blues must improve going forward.

“We got to into some good positions on Friday but we need a bit of quality in that final third now,” said Maher.

“We showed it in flashes against Dover but ultimately we haven’t scored enough goals for me.

“We’ve looked for more solid but there’s still plenty to work on.”

Maidenhead have struggled defensively this season and have conceded 15 goals in their last three games.

Alan Devonshire’s side have also let in 30 goals in 15 league games this term.