Southend United's fast-falling First-teamers got a much needed pick-me-up when they held a strong Ipswich Town side 1-1 in a behind-closed-doors clash yesterday.

The Blues have won just once in the last 11 games, including a disastrous FA Cup home defeat at the hands of non-league Doncaster Rovers last Saturday.

And manager Alvin Martin took his men to First Division Ipswich's Portman Road training ground to try and work on some of the problems which have sent them tumbling down the table.

And Martin's verdict after the work-out: "A very worthwhile exercise - better than spending time on our own training ground. All the first-team squad were included.

"We were able to experiment with a couple of different formations and also to put into practice some of the things we have been trying to get over to the players.

"We broke the game up into three 30 minute sessions which enabled us to mix and match the players to see which system suited certain lads better than others.

"We also included three of our very promising youth players - Gary Cross, Leon Johnson and Leon Hunter - and I think it was a very good experience for them as well."

David Whyte netted Southend's goal which Martin reckoned would give the striker a big lift.

"We all know that one of our big problems has been putting our chances away and it's important that the front-players get some confidence," he said.

"I'm convinced that Barry Conlon, Whyte, Alex Burns and young Trevor Fitzpatrick are more than capable of getting goals regularly at Third Division level.

"What they desperately need is to get an injection of confidence by starting to hit the net.

"At the same time we must cut out the silly defensive mistakes we've been making in recent weeks - leaking bad goals which has cost us vital points.

"We looked very solid at the back at the start of the season and must return to that sort of form fast.

"Our home game against Plymouth this weekend is a big match for us. The week's preparations have gone well and it's now all about getting the right result on Saturday."

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