Southend Looking To Throw County Off Title Charge

Two quick-fire, 90th-minute strikes from Paul Mullin handed County their first defeat since mid-December, a 2-1 loss to Torquay United.

Being nine points clear at the summit of the Vanarama National League, the Hatters are certainly on course for a return to League Two for the first time since 2011 after winning 16 games in a 17-match unbeaten run in the league.

And Challinor reiterated the importance of focusing on themselves as he prepares for the visit of Southend United in front of the BT Sport cameras at Edgeley Park on Saturday.

“We have done alright since December,” said Challinor, with a grin. “We have a motivated group of players that have a real steely determination to finish where we currently sit in the table.

“We go into every game full of confidence and belief that we can win but we need to be at it all the time and if we’re not at it, then this league has a habit of biting you on the backside.

“We’re in a good place and in a place where we absolutely want to be, and we want to cement that position when we play Southend.

“A lot’s been made about who we’ve got to play; I am comfortable with where we are, and all these teams will be judged after 44 games after playing everybody twice.

“Our next opportunity comes Saturday, and we will do everything we can to take that opportunity and whether it happens or doesn’t happen, we will move on to the next one and tick them off one by one.

“We hope to take care of our business and if anything goes in our way in terms of results then that is an added bonus.

“We’ve got nine games left this season and we will do everything we can to win those nine games.”

Southend had formed a tremendous run that had pulled them away from the relegation zone with a 13-game unbeaten streak.

However, four defeats in their last five games have knocked a bit of wind out of the Shrimpers’ sails going into their meeting with the table toppers.

Southend boss Kevin Maher praised his side’s efforts.

“It’s human nature when you lose a couple of matches that slight doubts come in,” said Maher.

“But on the training ground they have been very good, and they are responding to everything we do, and confidence can come back pretty quick as well.

“One thing they do is they work their socks off and we will challenge them on certain things and what we want from them and if we produce that then I am sure we will be competitive.

“They [Stockport] are the best team in the league, and they have shown that consistently all season, so we know how tough it is and it is one that we will be prepared for and one where we have to turn up and play.

“The players will always give their all and they have been brilliant for us, so it will be no different going into the game on Saturday.”