SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher will not be motivated by last season's setback when his Shrimpers side head back to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday,

Blues were beaten three times by the Daggers last term, including a 3-0 defeat at Victoria Road during Maher's first game in charge last October.

But Maher insists he will be treating this weekend's clash the same as any other as the Shrimpers look to stretch their four match unbeaten run.

"It's just another game you want to win and I'm sure they will be the same," said Maher.

"From our end we focus on the football and what we can do to get a result. It will be a good atmosphere and we always take big numbers there.

"Maybe there's a bit of extra spice on the game but it shouldn't affect us and how we go about things and I'm sure they'll be the same."

Thirteen of the 16 players Maher selected in his first ever matchday squad against Dagenham have now moved on.

And Maher is pleased with the progress being made.

"When you reflect over the year a lot of change has gone on and it's a credit to everyone at the football club who has worked so hard behind the scenes to get it on the right track," said the Blues boss.

"We still have a long way to go and we know that but if you look at the squad we think we're in a better place now in terms of age and energy.

"I remember the first day walking in here, it wasn't a great place to be.

"But now I see the players around the place and they all want to be here and work hard.

"They're doing extras and doing everything you would want."

The Shrimpers now sit 13th in the National League standings, one point and one place below Dagenham who Maher expects to soon be higher up the table.

"They're a good side and I fully expect them to be up there come the end of the season," said Maher.

"They've had a few results I'm sure they will be disappointed with but every club will have periods like that in this league.

"But they had a very good result at Chesterfield on Tuesday and they'll be in good spirits."

Blues fought back to draw 1-1 with Woking in the week and Maher wants to build on that display.

"It's another game where we've got to follow on from Tuesday night and hopefully perform to the levels we can," said Maher.

"We've had a good run and we've got to bring to the table on Saturday the things that we do well."

Saturday's match kicks off at 12.30pm and is being shown live on BT Sport.

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