SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher admits he understands the frustration of the fans following Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Maidenhead.
But the Shrimpers head coach has stressed the club must stick together to get back on track.
A second half header from Magpies defender Will De Havilland condemned Blues to a disappointing setback at York Road.
However, Maher still believes there are signs of positivity from his players – despite the criticism coming his way.
“I understand the frustration and I'm the outlet for it now again,” said the Shrimpers boss.
“Six months ago we nearly didn't have a football club and when the results don't go well the manager takes it.
“That’s fine but we're doing a lot right.
"The squad is stronger but we've got to turn performances into wins.
"We've got to keep working hard and stick together.
"If we do that it will change."
Blues – who were beaten by Sittingbourne in the FA Trophy last weekend - are now 12th in the table, six points below the play-off places.
And Maher felt Southend paid the price for not being clinical enough in the final third against the Magpies.
"We're trying and we're creating chances believe it or not if you look at the stats and data on where we have the ball” said Maher.
"But it's that final moment we've got to get right.
“We had 15 attempts at goal, it was 20 something last week but we’ve come away with no goals and that’s not good enough.
“You can dominate a game as much as you want but you’ve got to get it right in both boxes.”
However, the Shrimpers were also unable to shut out the opposition.
“When you don’t score you put yourself under pressure to keep a clean sheet,” said Maher.
“It was the same as last week, we haven’t taken our chances and a set piece, which looks a foul on Harry (Taylor) watching it back, has cost us.
“But that’s what you lead yourself open to when you don’t take your chances.” Blues will now bid to bounce back at home to Halifax Town on Tuesday.
And Maher still has belief in his players.
"We've shown we can do it and we've been on good form,” said Maher.
“If you get the result today then you really are looking up.
"It's something the team has get to get better at, it's those moments.
"There's a bit more pressure this year which you've got to deal with and that's football.
"But we're looking for the characters to stand up at the right moments and do that."
The Shrimpers were unable to do that against Maidenhead.
And Maher seemed disappointed with Blues’ reaction to going a goal down.
"We spoke about it and we came off the structure a bit,” said the Shrimpers head coach.
"You can feel the lads' confidence drain a little bit.
"That's when you have to use your calm heads and wait for the moment to create a proper chance.
"We still did that but it was a little bit disjointed and there were some bad decisions after that sometimes."
However, Maher still thought there were enough opportunities for Blues to have avoided defeat.
"I think we slashed at things too much in and around the box but at the same time we had some great chances,” said Maher.
"We hit the crossbar and the keeper made a good save from Gus (Scott-Morriss) in the first half.
"So many balls went across the ball in the first half and in the second half Hops (Tom Hopper) has had a chance and Macca (Bonne) has too.
"You’re away from home at a tough place you dominate the game and create that many chances but you don’t win.
“That’s the frustrating thing.
"We just didn't have that moment of quality to take a chance or that coldness you need in front of goal.
We've got to get ourselves together and go again on Tuesday."
