THINK we have a real score to settle with Chesterfield this weekend.

Earlier on in the season we were beaten 3-0 at their place and we felt as though we were slightly humiliated by them which was certainly not a nice feeling.

We want to show them what we're really about on Saturday and it's another very important game too because we're now entering the business stage of the season.

It's at this time of year your bottom starts to squeak and you can start to get some funny results.

We saw that on Tuesday night with Colchester winning at Bradford City and Fleetwood beating Gillingham.

We were disappointed to draw with Crewe and not collect all three points but we didn't lose and it's important to remember that.

I look back at Daniel Bentley's penalty save at Peterborough as a big turning point in our season and maybe Jack Payne's late penalty on Tuesday will be as well.

It's still very tight towards the top and I think anyone all the way down to Bury in 13th position are still right in the race for a top six finish.

SUPPORTERS HAVE A MASSIVE PART TO PLAY

THE supporters have a massive part to play in our run in.

I can understand and appreciate their frustrations when we aren't playing well because I'm feeling exactly the same way.

But at this time of year it's all about points and we are still in a great position to achieve something this year.

Detrimental moans and groans from the stands don't help the players and we really are all in this together.

We're called Southend United and united is exactly what we need to be in our last 12 games.

I include the players, the coaching staff, the backroom staff, directors and fans in that because we're only a point outside the play-offs and we all need to be right behind this push for a top six finish.

WE'RE MISSING LENNY

RYAN Leonard is a big player for us and, in his absence, I think we're really seeing how important he is.

We've won just once in five games since his injury and those coming into the team have not been able to bring us what he does.

Lenny has great energy, he has a presence in both penalty areas, has a long throw and is also quite creative going forward.

There is a lot to be admired about him and of course we're missing him.

However, he's working hard in the gym and his season is nowhere near being over.

He will still have an important part to play in the run in.

WHITE BACK IN CONTENTION

JOHN White is back in contention and he will be like a new signing for us.

He's back in training after six weeks or so on the sidelines but I decided not to put him straight back in against Crewe.

I didn't want to risk him breaking down and being ruled out again so we put him into the under 21s instead.

I think that was the sensible decision and it's great to have him back because he's a solid, reliable defender who can also get forward.

But there is real competition for that right back berth now though as Adam Thompson went in there against Crewe and we also have Luke O'Neill pushing for a recall.

I felt as though Luke needed a rest for the game on Tuesday and I'm sure he will come back stronger for it because he's a good footballer.

KEEPING TABS ON LOANEES

WE went to watch Jason Williams and Jack Bridge in action for Chelmsford City at the start of the week and they both did well scoring in a 4-1 win against Bishop's Stortford.

I think after the loan signings we made they wanted to get out to get games and they're making the most of that opportunity.

The goals they are getting there are good for them, good for Chelmsford and Kevin Maher who is in charge there and also good for us as well.