Kevin Maher calls for focus as in-form Southend United prepare for Hartlepool United visit

Southend United manager Kevin Maher has called for focus from his players as they prepare to visit Hartlepool United on Tuesday night.

The Shrimpers will travel to the Prestige Group Stadium sitting in sixth place in the National League table after they picked up an impressive 6-2 win at FC Halifax Town on Saturday afternoon. Maher’s men have already secured a play-off spot - but they now have their focus set on overhauling fifth placed Scunthorpe United to land a home tie in the eliminator round and a win against Pools can take them to within a point of the Iron.

That would set up a final day showdown as Southend host Wealdstone at Roots Hall at the same time Scunthorpe entertain Eastleigh and any slip-up from the Iron could open the door for Maher’s side to secure fifth place on the final 90 minutes of the season. With a thrilling conclusion to an intriguing battle lying ahead, the Shrimpers boss has insisted his players must focus on their own performances and not get too distracted by whatever may go on elsewhere on the final day of the campaign.

Speaking after Saturday’s win at The Shay, Maher said: “When we have built the team, built the squad, I know we wanted more points on the board but everything told us we are going about things the right way. It’s up to us to stay calm, not panic, do the right things and when we get players back we have been due to do that. We were three goals up in games and we wanted to go on - but credit to the players. I’ve got to say credit to them for their application and work ethic and they’re non-stop to be fair. We have plenty to play for. We can’t control what goes on (elsewhere). We do our job and let’s see what happens.”

Delighted

Maher’s side have firmly bounced back from a 1-0 defeat they suffered at Altrincham last month by embarking on an eight-game unbeaten run that included an FA Trophy semi-final win against National League North side Southport and Saturday’s 6-2 hammering of Halifax. Oliver Coker led the way with a brace in the latter of those victories and the likes of Andrew Dallas, Harry Cardwell, Gus Scott-Morriss and Leon Chambers-Parillon also found the net as the Shrimpers eased to an impressive three points at The Shay. Maher praised his players for their performance during the win as they collected all three points to increase the pressure on fifth placed Scunthorpe.

He explained: “We are delighted, first and foremost, it’s the three points, and to top it off with the performance and goals, we are delighted because I do think they’re a very good side. They’ve pushed for the play-offs all season and Adam has done a very good job in terms of where they were this season. It’s always tough here and today is no different but I thought we played well.”

Your next Hartlepool United read: Robbie Stelling's Hartlepool United player ratings as Pools end winless run by beating Forest Green Rovers - gallery