KEVIN Maher will be sticking to his principles when Southend United head to Oxford City tomorrow.

The Shrimpers make their first ever visit to the RAW Charging Stadium looking to end a run of three straight defeats.

But Maher remains certain his side – who sit just above the drop zone on goal difference – can soon get back to winning ways.

“We’re just coming out on the wrong side of moments in games which we need to turn,” said Maher.

“We all know the results aren't what we want but there's a lot of good stuff within games we've got to focus on too.

“It's easy to just look at the result but we've got to keep doing the things we believe in.

“If we do that and do the basics right alongside the hard work that comes with this team then it will change.

“We'll keep working towards everything we believe in too.”

The Shrimpers are now 20th in the standings.

And Maher knows his team’s belief could soon start to falter.

“The hardest thing is to keep that confidence there because it can obviously drain with results,” said the Blues boss.

“We’ve performed well in games, even though people will overlook that and say it’s not been good enough because of results.

“We get that but the performances are there it’s just those moments.

“Everyone goes through a dip in form or results not going your way but what you’ve got to do is stick together.

“You know you’ll come out the other side if you do the basics right and keep working hard.”

And Maher feels preparations have gone well ahead of this weekend’s game.

“We've had a good week's training,” said Maher.

“Obviously we were disappointed with last week but we work a certain way and the lads have all been upbeat and trained hard.

“We’re hurting but that's to be expected.

“We're looking forward now and will look to put a good performance in on Saturday.”

But Maher knows the Shrimpers must start to convert more of the chances coming their way if they are to stop the run of bad results.

"It's the hardest bit to coach," said Maher.

"You can get them to a certain stage but that last bit is where the magic happens.

"It’s not been falling for us but we need to be brave to keep getting into those areas and be positive too."

And Maher will also be remaining level headed.

"People will be disappointed and frustrated but we've got to remain consistent with the work we do," said Maher.

"We can't go too high or too low and we've shown them this week the stuff they've done well as well as looking at the areas we want to improve.

"It's working to our maximum every week and doing everything right because eventually that will turn into results."

Oxford City will also be desperate to get back to winning ways this weekend.

And Maher knows they will be determined to bounce back from Saturday's 7-1 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge.

"I saw the game and the way Ross (Jenkins) held himself afterwards with his interview was very, very good.

"It was a difficult moment but they had players out injured and some of the goals were top corner so they'll want to put that behind them.

"We're going to try and get a win though and we can't focus on areas other teams are in.

"We want to perform to the levels we can."

But Blues must also adapt to playing on a 3G pitch.

"We've trained on it this week to get ourselves ready for it," said Maher.

"They come in different types so it's hard to replicate it.

"Sometimes when it's raining that helps with the speed of the ball but it's just something we'll have to adapt to."

And the Shrimpers will again be roared on by a large away following of more than 1,000 fans.

"They've been unbelievable this year and there have been a number of away games where we've felt we've been at home," said Maher.

"We're grateful to have them with us and we need them more than ever now.

"We always want to give them something back and there's been a togetherness throughout the club with what's go on this year.

"It's important we don't lose that."