Adam Barrett was left to praise another committed Southend United performance, despite the frustrations of losing out to another late goal in the 2-1 defeat at home to Charlton.

The Blues had to play the best part of 70 minutes with just 10 men against Charlton on Friday night, but despite suffering defeat right at the death, Barrett knows they need to pick themselves up for the fight ahead.

"To play against one of the top teams with just 10 men and graft and work our socks off the way we have, I'm proud of all the players," Adam told southendunited.co.uk.

"I haven't seen the incident with the red card, but Nicky has definitely made a meal of it and Jeff (Christophe) has been sent off so early on.

"To play 70 minutes with 10 men, I think the lads put in a tremendous effort.

"Once again, six minutes have gone up at the end and everything seems to be going against us at the moment.

"We put bodies on the line and to come away with nothing again, just like the Norwich City game, it is a real sickener.

"Yet again, the fans were absolutely tremendous and got behind the players.

"With everything that is going on, it is very tough at the moment, but we have to pick ourselves up."

Barrett admits that the team have a big month coming up now in March, but is backing the team to get the points they need to stay in League One.

He said: "March is a big month and we have to go again.

"We have to work extremely hard and keep showing this spirit and give ourselves a chance of staying up.

"Hopefully, a little bit of lady luck is going to turn our way and we can start picking up points, but I am confident we can do that because there are plenty of games to go.

"The effort and commitment has been tremendous for a team which has been put together again and is patched up.

"We are ready to fight for the cause and fight for this football club, I know I certainly will, and I'm sure the players will to do everything we can to stay in this division."