SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher stressed the need to stick together following the Shrimpers’ 0-0 draw at Oxford City on Saturday.

Blues were held to their first goalless stalemate of the season at the RAW Charging Stadium and remain above the relegation zone on goal difference.

But Maher – whose side have now gone four games without a goal and win – is keen for the club to remain united.

“The players and myself are going through a tough period,” said Maher.

“We’ve been through a tough period earlier on in the season and we didn’t give up on the club and the players didn’t give up on the club.

“Now they need our support and for people to not give up on them so that’s what I’ll do.

“We’ll stick together and stay positive. We won’t give up on them and we’ll keep on working hard.”

The Shrimpers sit 20th in the standings but Maher remains certain things will soon change.

“It will turn and when it does you’ll sense the pressure valve coming off,” said Maher.

“You can sense anxiety and tension around the place.

“The fans were incredible again and we need them more than ever.”

Blues were supported by 1,200 travelling fans in a crowd of close to 1,900.

And Maher - whose side had skipper Nathan Ralph sent off late on - was keen to remain upbeat.

“It’s a point on the board, let’s be positive,” said Maher.

“We wanted to win the game and we’ve had chances to win the game too.

“We’re down to 10 men for the last 10 minutes and still trying to create chances.

“ There’s a positive there but we need someone to go and put their head on the ball or for it to drop our way. It’s just a tough time at the minute.”

The Shrimpers return to action at Maidenhead tomorrow night. And Maher will ensure Blues are properly prepared.

“We go Saturday, Tuesday for a few weeks now and we’ll be ready,” said Maher.

“We’ll be without Ralphy for Maidenhead but we’ll see who is available and go from there.”

Ralph will serve a one match suspension after being shown a second yellow card 10 minutes from time on Saturday. The Blues skipper received his second caution for dangerous play after attempting an overhead kick.

But Maher had not seen the incident back when speaking to the media after the match.

“I didn’t see it,” said Maher.

“They said it was an overhead kick but I haven’t seen it and we’ve not got footage because we weren’t allowed.”