Morecambe manager warns Southend United shouldn't be taken for granted

The two teams do battle at the Mazuma Stadium (6.30pm) with both needing three points for very different reasons.

Victory for the Shrimps will complete the league double over their opponents and keep them handily placed in the mix for a top-three finish.

Their visitors, on the other hand, find themselves in the relegation spots with time running out in their bid for survival.

Southend may have only won three of their last 13 outings but those were victories against Newport County AFC, Forest Green Rovers and Harrogate Town, while they also drew with league leaders Cambridge United and Salford City in that time.

Both sides go into the game looking to atone for defeats, Morecambe beaten at Cambridge and Southend losing at home to Carlisle United.

Speaking before the latter, Adams said: “They (Southend) have done really well.

“They were down the bottom of the league. They are still there but they are picking up some good points.

“We will watch them (against Carlisle) in preparation for Tuesday night.”

Ten League Two fixtures take place this afternoon, meaning Morecambe will be playing catch-up on their promotion rivals tomorrow.

Though they lost at Cambridge on Friday, teams in and around the Shrimps failed to capitalise.

Bolton Wanderers drew with Colchester United, Tranmere Rovers were beaten at second-placed Cheltenham Town, while there were also defeats for Forest Green, Newport and Exeter City.

Adams had previously said that the promotion battle will go down to the final day – and he doesn’t see that situation changing.

“With eight games to go, we are in the play-off positions,” Adams said.

“We just have to keep on going and pick up the wins that are required to get us up the league.

“It’s extremely tight and, until the end of the season, it’s going to be extremely difficult for all teams.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by clicking here