Colchester United boss Kevin Keen believes one victory could “kick-start” his side’s season - and knows there would be no better time to get it than in tomorrow’s Essex derby at Southend United.

The U’s are bottom of the table and without a League One victory since October 20.

Their recent defeats include a 2-0 setback against the Shrimpers at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Boxing Day.

However, confident Keen remains sure the tide will turn - as soon as his players end their long wait for three points.

“Everyone has that feeling, but we need to get that win and need to get it quickly,” he said.

“The quicker we get it, the quicker we move on and everyone can stop saying we haven’t won since whenever.

“Some of the performances have been very good – Gillingham, Sheffield United, the first half at Scunthorpe.

“However, the results haven’t been there and we need to change that from this week.

“We just have to keep doing the right things and it will eventually break for us.

“You can’t suddenly magic good luck or a stronger mentality, because you’re on a bad run.

“We have to keep working hard - on the training field and in meeting rooms, watching videos, correcting mistakes and that kind of thing - stick together and play as a team.”

Keen knows his side face a tough task at promotion-chasing Southend.

Since the sides met at Christmas, Colchester have picked up just two points from five games.

Southend lost three in a row but then drew at Peterborough and have since beaten Coventry and Shrewsbury.

“Southend have picked up so many more points than us (since Boxing Day),” said Keen.

“So it’s going to a tough game, because it’s a derby and because they’re up near the play-offs.

“They’re on a really good run and they’ve got a good manager and good, strong team.

“I’m not surprised to see them up there in the table.

“Of the teams we’ve played, they’re one of the better ones.

“Their home form is very good and they have great vocal support behind them.

“They’ve got two or three stand-out players who make things happen and also a very strong, physical defence.

“But we know we’ve got to fight, play some good football and score some goals.”

For a four-page preview of Colchester's big game with Southend United, see Friday's Daily Gazette.