JOE Gubbins is confident Southend United’s depleted defence will be good enough to deal with Gateshead at Roots Hall on Saturday.

The Shrimpers will be without their suspended skipper Nathan Ralph for this weekend's National League clash while Harry Taylor is also expected to miss out with a hamstring issue.

But Gubbins believes Blues will still be able to overcome Rob Elliot’s side.

“I think whoever plays knows their responsibilities,” said Gubbins.

“They know the importance of defending and doing a job for the team.

“I don’t think there should be too much of a change because everyone here is clued up with regards to what they should be doing so it should be a seamless transition if Harry is out.”

Gubbins looks set to be one of the replacements coming into the team on Saturday.

And he is keen to build on the point a last gasp Josh Walker equaliser secured at Wealdstone on Tuesday night.

“It was a tough game to come on in but at the end of the day you have to think of it as a good point,” said Gubbins.

“We’ve had a tough run of games away from home so it was good to come away with something but we’re obviously disappointed not to get three points.”

The Shrimpers now sit 13th in the standings.

And, after three away games in succession, Gubbins is looking forward to returning to action at Roots Hall.

“We’re looking forward to being back at home in front of our fans,” said Gubbins.

“The travelling support has been brilliant over the past week so they’ve almost felt like home games too in a way.

“It’s been a tough week but after a good win at Solihull a point at Wealdstone is not the worst result in the world but now all focus is on Saturday’s game.”

But Gubbins is expecting a tough test against Gateshead who are fifth in the table with a game in hand on all the teams above them.

“We know they’re a good footballing team,” said Gubbins.

“They’re a possession based team and they’ll try to keep the ball off us but we’ll try take our game to them and show them what we’re about.

“We want to put a winning run together and get up the table so hopefully we can do that.”

Gubbins is also keen to help that happen and is also eager to bag the first goal of his career.

“Yes, of course that’s a target,” said Gubbins.

“I wouldn’t want to do it anywhere else so hopefully it comes soon and I’ll get on the end of a cross soon enough.

“I’m enjoying joining in the play with a back three as I’ve been in a back four the last few years.

“Playing in a back three allows me to get forward more which I really enjoy."

Gubbins has made six starts and four substitute appearances so far this season.

And he is enjoying finally having a permanent club to call home.

"It makes a big difference," said Gubbins.

"I've moved into the area and it's a lovely feeling.

"I feel like this is the place where I'm really going to kick on in my career.

"I feel comfortable here and it's a different feeling to being on loan.

"You feel like you need to take more responsibility and hopefully I can do that in the next couple of years and beyond that too."