Defender Simon Francis believes that Charlton Athletic are 'no mugs' despite a recent blip in form.
The Addicks are currently in the League One play-off spots but have only won one of their last seven matches.
But the full-back, who turned down a switch to the Championship in January, is more worried about his own sides form.
"They have slipped a bit but they are no mugs as they are fighting for promotion," Francis told southendunited.co.uk after training on Thursday.
"For us we are in a relegation scrap, there's no two ways about that, we have to make sure we go and get a result on tonight."
Tuesday's devastating 2-1 defeat at Norwich City saw Steve Tilson's side slip towards the bottom four.
But Francis hopes three points will soon see Southend move away from the relegation zone.
"Maybe a month or so ago you would have thought 'yeah we look safe'," he said.
"We were in the middle of the table, but there wasn't a lot of points in it then and there certainly aren't now.
"We have to get a result to get ourselves away from it and I am sure just one win will lead to a run of results."
Come and support Simon Francis and his team-mates at tonight's game against Charlton Athletic. Tickets are still on sale at the Blues Box Office - call 08444 77 00 77 now!
