Southend United captain Adam Barrett wants to end his side's Milton Keynes Dons hoodoo at Roots Hall this Friday.

The Blues have failed to beat the Dons in their four previous meetings. And Barrett is desperate to finally end that unwanted record.

"We haven't done too well against MK Dons over the last few years but hopefully that can now change," said Barrett who has played in all of the games between the two teams.

"Even when we were top of League One and they were struggling towards the bottom they got the better of us.

"That's in the past now though and we're in great form so we want to keep that going and finally get a win against them."

Victory is also imperative for Blues if they are to continue their shock late charge for a play-off place.

They have triumphed in six of their last seven matches and are now only three points behind sixth placed Scunthorpe United.

However, the Iron still have two games in hand on Southend and Blues have no room for error.

"I think we really need to win all five of the games we have left," said the defender.

"It's a shame we don't have a few more than that because I think we could do with them but we're doing well and want to keep it going.

"It's an important weekend with two games in four days and a lot could change in that time."

After facing MK Dons, United travel to Northampton Town on Monday.

Southend have not lost there since 1998 and the ground has been just as lucky for Barrett.

He has scored three goals in his last three games at the Sixfields Stadium.

And he wants to keep up the good record against the Cobblers.

"It's been a lucky ground for me and the team," recalled Barrett who has been used as a left-back during Blues' excellent run of results.

"We've had some real battles with them over the years but have normally come out on top.

"I've managed to get a few goals against them which is always nice so hopefully I can keep that going and we can get another win which is what we really need in our position."