KEVIN Maher takes Southend United to Torquay this weekend firmly focused on football not finances.

The Shrimpers head to Plainmoor for the last National League game before their winding up petition from HMRC is heard again in court on Wednesday.

But Maher is only thinking about matters on the field.

“There’s obviously a date that has been put in and hopefully the powers that be will get that done,” said Maher.

“But we want to focus on football and don’t want to distract from trying to get the three points.

“I know we’ll take big numbers again at the weekend and we want to give them a performance to be proud of.

“That’s where my head’s at, it’s in that position and I hope that’s where the players are at as well as they have been throughout the season.

“I’m just focusing on the game but we’re positive about everything.”

Blues go into the game sitting sixth in the standings but saw their four match winning run ended at table-topping Notts County on Tuesday night.

Maher is now keen to ensure a positive reaction but believes Torquay will be tough to beat, despite them sitting third from bottom in the table.

“They’re a tough opponent and going there it’s always going to be a tough game so I’m sure Saturday won’t be any different,” said Maher.

“They beat us at our place earlier in the season in a game we felt we dominated but couldn’t find the end product.

“They’ve been towards the wrong end of the league table but have shown lots of signs of improvements.

“They had a good result against Barnet last weekend so it’s a tough one.

“But I sit here every week and say we have to perform to get a result and this is no different.”