SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is certain the Shrimpers can still achieve ‘something’ this season - but he is not thinking beyond tomorrow’s trip to Altrincham.

Blues have slipped to 10th in the National League table, eight points below the play-off places, after suffering five defeats in succession.

But Maher is confident his side have what it takes to work their way back into the top seven before the end of the season.

“First and foremost we can still achieve something this year and that starts on Saturday,” said Maher.

“We won’t look too far ahead.

“We’ll go into Saturday full throttle and look to pick something up there before going onto Tuesday.”

Blues will also head into the game this weekend having had a clear week to prepare.

And, after a hectic schedule in recent weeks, a lack of a midweek match has been welcomed by Maher.

“We’ve been busy the last few weeks playing Saturday, Tuesday so to have the week we’ve had is pleasing,” said Maher.

“There are periods in a season that go your way and periods that don’t.

“You see that momentum with different teams throughout the league.

“But there’s nine games to go and there’s plenty of football still to be played.”

Altrincham sit three places and four points behind Blues in the standings ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

And Maher is expecting another stern test on the road.

“We had a decent draw at our place against them and we know the strengths they bring,” said Maher.

“It’s a tough place to go but we have to focus on what we can do and how we think we can hurt them.

“They will be thinking the same way but it’s a tough game.

“We’ve got to be ready and we’ve got to fight for every ball if we’re going to come out on top.”

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