Red-hot Ranger firing Shrimpers

NILE RANGER . . . four goals in the last five games for Southend United

ATHLETIC'S recent run at Roots Hall is in for a serious examination at a Nile Ranger-powered Southend.

The controversial striker was banned from the club for a breach of discipline earlier this season.

But the former Newcastle United prospect (25) has really hit form, scoring four goals in his last five outings - the latest of which was a brilliant solo effort in a 2-0 win at AFC Wimbledon last week.

That victory maintained the play-off charge for Phil Brown's side, who are now three points clear of seventh-placed Millwall.

The Shrimpers, 2-0 winners at SportsDirect.com Park this season, have been beaten by Athletic in four of their last five meetings at Roots Hall.

With Ranger firing, Brown's side won't lack for confidence, having lost only once at home since August and that, to leaders Sheffield United.

"It's been a long road and a hard slog where Nile is concerned, there have been barriers to get over and at the moment we're doing that," Brown told the Southend Echo.

"We just need to keep him on the straight and narrow which is easier said than done but he has to realise he's part of a team.

"When he lets himself down he lets his team down.

"He's a rare breed and you don't deal with him the same way you do everyone else.

"However, he has to realise there are rules and regulations which fingers crossed he's adhering to at the moment.

"Nile's goal was out of the top drawer. I doubt there was a better goal scored in any of the leagues, especially in those conditions and it makes you realise how much of a special talent the player is.

"Nile is really grasping the nettle now.

"He's working his socks off for the team and he's getting his reward which is great to see."

Brown was also delighted with a clean sheet at Wimbledon for his side, who are sitting on three successive wins and who appear to be hitting form at a perfect time.

"I said after the Bristol Rovers game (a 2-0 defeat at the Memorial Ground) that we needed to get back to clean sheets and we've got two in our last three games now which really pleases me," Brown said.

"This clean sheet was one for the whole team, because the work-rate from everyone was outstanding.

"We're hitting form at the right time and it's down to mentality.

"We've given ourselves half a chance now."