SOUTHEND United skipper Adam Barrett believes Blues’ new found form in front of goal have given their survival hopes a timely boost.

The League One strugglers, who play two crunch games in three games this Bank Holiday weekend, have netted eight goals in their last three games.

And that is in stark contrast to the shot-shy period which preceded that improved strike ratio.

“If we are to get out of trouble then we obviously need to score goals, so it’s been great to see us hitting the back of the net more regularly,” said Barrett.

“I thought the front two of Scott Spencer and Scott Vernon were outstanding in our last game at Bristol Rovers, and if we can keep on giving them good service, then we have a real chance of staying up.

“We still all believe that’s going to happen, too.”

Blues had scored just four goals in seven games before hitting the back of the net twice against Carlisle United.

Steve Tilson’s side followed that up with three against both Walsall and Bristol Rovers.

But the trio of strikes against the Pirates was not enough to stop a dramatic 4-3 defeat.

“It was a massive disappointment, but we’ve moved on from there now and the good thing is that we’ve played well again,” said Barrett. “I felt we dominated most of the match and Steve (Mildenhall) did not have a save to make, apart from the goals.

“If we play like that again though this weekend then we can certainly pick up points in both games, which is what we need.”

Southend, who are two points from safety in 22nd place, host Yeovil Town on Saturday before visiting Gillingham on Monday. And the centre-back is confident of two good results.

“It’s a massive weekend for us and we’re in good spirits going into the games,” said Barrett. “It’s a blow that we will be missing Franck Moussa and Damian Scannell, who are two of our most creative players.

“But both teams are down towards us in the table and they are winnable games we have to get points in.”

>Southend United’s players have now also not been paid for March. The Blues squad, who have yet to get their wages for February, were due their money for March yesterday.

The squad have been paid just once since Christmas after the PFA came to the club’s rescue with a loan.