SOUTHEND United skipper Chris Barker feels his side owe their fans a performance when they host Gillingham at Roots Hall tonight.

Blues were well below par when losing 2-0 at Swindon Town on Saturday.

And Barker now wants to show they still have what it takes to be towards the top of the table this season.

“We let ourselves and the fans down with how we played against Swindon and now we want to show what we can really do,” said Barker, 31.

“We owe the fans an apology for the performance at the weekend and we want to give them something to cheer this evening.

“Three points would made us all feel better again but we need to start playing well and not just talk about doing it.”

Southend have impressed in glimpses this season, winning at Accrington Stanley and Port Vale before also beating Crawley Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

But Barker now wants that to happen on a more consistent basis.

“We need to play well in every game we have,” said the centre-back.

“We’ve shown we can do it but we need to do it more often if we are to stay in the race for promotion.

“We have two home games in the space of five days coming up now and if we can win those then we will probably be up in the top four of five so that’s certainly our aim.”

However, picking up all three points will not be easy for Blues this evening.

Gillingham are expecting to be among those pushing for promotion this term.

And Barker certainly expects them to be contention come May.

“Gillingham will definitely be there or there abouts at the end of the season, said Barker.

“They’re a strong side and it has the makings of a really good game tonight."

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO