NATHAN Ralph insists Southend United will head to Notts County in a confident frame of mind this weekend.

The Shrimpers sit 19th in the National League standings following Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Maidenhead United.

But Ralph still feels Blues are more than capable of picking up all three points at Meadow Lane.

“It’s two big clubs going against each other but we’ll go there with confidence after picking up four points in our last two games,” said Ralph.

“It’s a big game and they’re a big club but there’s no reason why we can’t get a win there and that’s what we will look to do. “

The Shrimpers triumphed 2-1 at Altrincham in their last away game but were unable to build on that against Maidenhead last time out.

And Ralph was frustrated not to make it back to back wins after Kane Ferdinand netted a second half equaliser for the visitors against his former side.

“It did feel like a loss,” said Ralph.

“We know we can do a lot better than that performance wise too.

“We work a lot on keeping the ball during the week in training and the staff pride themselves on playing good football so it’s frustrating when we put in performances like that.

“We made a couple of sloppy mistakes which led to the goal which we need to cut out.

“But it’s another point, it’s four points in two games and we need to build on that now.”

Blues remain level on points with Maidenhead and are now above the drop zone on goal difference alone.

But Ralph will not be dwelling on the draw.

“It was a big game but one thing I’ve noticed in this league is that teams at the bottom will beat teams up the top and you can get freak results,” said Ralph.

“It’s about who turns up on the day but I wouldn’t look at this too much.

“We can beat anyone on our day and it’s not something to get too down about.

“We got a point and we want to build on that now, starting with Saturday.”

Blues are fighting to avoid a third successive relegation.

But Ralph feels the mounting pressure is not a problem.

“There’s pressure on but we’re professional footballers and it’s what we’re paid to do,” said Ralph.

“You have to go out and work on what you’ve been doing in training.

“You have to believe in that and stick together.

“But we’ve got to make sure we show it on the pitch now.”

And Ralph also insists the Shrimpers must do all they can to remain upbeat.

“We have to stay positive and know it will change,” said Ralph.

“It’s been a frustrating few years for the club and fans as well.

“It’s not something that changes overnight but with the new staff coming in there’s positivity around the place.

“I do think the results will come but all we’re focusing on at the moment is Saturday’s game.”

Notts County are currently seventh in the National League table and ended a three match winless run by beating Dagenham & Redbridge 2-1 last time out.