Steve Hammell believes Southend United have endured a season of struggle because of their inability to beat any of their relegation rivals.

Steve Tilson's side - who now look doomed for the drop - have failed to beat any of the five teams closest to them at the bottom of the table.

And that has been the biggest reason behind Blues' troubles, according to their Scottish left back.

"It's an unbelievable statistic that we have beaten four of the top five teams but none of those down the bottom," said the 25-year-old.

"I can't put my finger on why it's happened - I'm as mystified as anyone.

"But what I do know is that if we had beaten a couple of the sides around us the league table would look an awful lot different for us."

Instead the Seasiders are currently three points from safety with just three games to go.

The first of those comes at Plymouth Argyle this weekend, but Hammell knows his team are struggling to survive.

"It was a must-win game against Barnsley and we lost so we know we're up against it now," said the summer signing from Motherwell.

"It's not looking good and we know that we need at least seven points from the last nine on offer if we are to stand any chance of staying up.

"Plymouth is another must-win match now but not many sides get anything there so we will have to raise our game."

It could well be another busy afternoon for Hammell and his fellow defenders as they strive to shut out the Pilgrims.

But the full-back is looking forward to the clash having now worked his way back into Southend's starting line-up after recovering from a groin injury.

"I tried to come back too early from that and ended up being out even longer," said Hammell, who returned to the team for the Colchester defeat on Good Friday following six weeks out.

"When I did get fully fit I couldn't get back into the team because they were doing well and even though Lewis Hunt was out of position he was doing really well so I couldn't argue.

"At the same time it allowed my injury to get completely better but it's nice to be back playing now.

"I just wish the results had been a bit better."