CALLUM Powell heads back to Wrexham with Southend United this weekend with full belief the Shrimpers will end the season strongly.

Blues take on the league-leaders this weekend having been beaten in their last two games.

But Powell insists Kevin Maher’s side must believe they can pick up points this weekend and the forward feels the Shrimpers do have the players to pose problems.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league so you have to show up with the right application, desire and hunger to perform,” said Powell.

“If we do we can surprise a few people with the squad we’ve got but we’ll keep our cards close to our chest and hopefully pull off a result.”

The Shrimpers have slipped to eighth in the National League standings following the back to back defeats and sit four points behind the play-off places with two games in hand on seventh placed Eastleigh.

But Powell remains confident Blues will soon be bouncing back up the table.

“We’ve got goals and ambitions we want to achieve and despite a couple of losses it won’t knock us off our journey of where we want to get to this season,” said Powell.

“We’ll keep working and keep our togetherness to get the results we need to get in the play-off places.”

The Shrimpers will head to Wales having been beaten 2-1 by play-off rivals Chesterfield last time out.

And Powell remains disappointed by the defeat.

“It was a frustrating night,” said the striker.

“Chesterfield are a fantastic team and they’ve beaten us so that’s two on the bounce now.

“I don’t think the performance was that bad but we just lacked that cutting edge in the final third to create clear chances and openings.

“But in the second half we were in it a lot more and we were looking for the equaliser at the end.”

Weather permitting, the Shrimpers will have a quick chance to get back on track this weekend.

And Powell believes the hectic schedule is not a problem.

“We’ve got a good group and you’re used to playing Saturday, Tuesday so you’re never going to turn down the opportunity to play,” said Powell.

“As a footballer you can’t complain.”

Blues will therefore be fired up to avoid another defeat this weekend but will be big underdogs against a Wrexham side who have been beaten just twice in the league all season.

And Powell is fully aware of the size of the task facing the Shrimpers.

“Wrexham are a massive club,” said the 27-year-old.

“With the takeover they’ve had they’re a real force in this league and would be in the league above as well.

“We know what we’re up against and the challenge in hand but we’ve got to do all we can to get a result.”

Powell knows Wrexham well having scored twice in 24 appearances for them during the 2016/17 season.

But the club has changed hugely since his own spell at the Racecourse Ground.

“It’s a different club now in terms of the facilities they’ve got there and the team and squad,” said Powell.

“The fanbase was always superb though and they’ve always been well supported.

“In terms of that it’s quite similar but with the backing they’ve got now they’re a real force to be reckoned with.”

Wrexham now have Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as owners and have their own documentary on Disney + which Powell has enjoyed watching.

“I’ve watched it with Noor (Husin), it’s quite interesting and a real eye opener,” said Powell.

“It’s a tight-knit group there but I think the fans deserve it and they’re a great team this season.”

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