SOUTHEND United striker Harry Cardwell says winning matches means more to him than reaching 20 goals this season.
Cardwell could become the first Shrimpers forward since Barry Corr back in 2010/11 to end the campaign with 20 goals to his name.
But the 27-year-old – who has netted 17 so far this term – is more concerned about winning matches, starting with Tuesday night’s clash at Wealdstone.
“It would be nice to get 20 but winning games is more important,” stressed Cardwell.
“I’m happy with how it’s gone and I go into each game looking to add to the tally to help the team win.
“That’s the main thing but 20 would be a nice round number to finish on.”
Cardwell’s goal return is already the best of his whole career.
And he is pleased to be taking to the pitch more regularly having been hit by injury setbacks in recent seasons.
“After the stop start couple of years I’ve had it’s been nice to be consistent with games and to chip in with a fair few goals.”
“I’ve always said I’m not an injury prone player, I’ve just had a few big unlucky ones like ruptured ankle ligaments from an innocuous challenge so it’s been good to get a run of games.”
Cardwell has made 38 appearances for Blues this season having previously started just 35 out of 73 games before the start of the current campaign.
And that has been achieved despite a bizarre pre-season which saw the Shrimpers play just two friendlies due to fears surrounding their future.
“It’s a strange one because with no injuries in pre-season you say it’s been good but ours was stop start,” said Cardwell.
“We didn’t get a lot of training in but while we weren’t training together I was still doing my fitness work so I felt good coming into the season.”
That has seemingly stood Cardwell in good stead and he feels ready to make an impact against struggling Wealdstone tonight.
The Stones sit just above the drop zone and opted to part company with boss David Noble at the weekend.
But Cardwell is only thinking about the Shrimpers.
“We need to focus on ourselves,” said Cardwell.
“We’re 13 games unbeaten so the confidence should be high. “We go into it looking to continue where we left off against Boreham wood, scoring four goals.
“They’re fighting for their lives so we know they will come out and battle.
“They’ve changed managers so there might be a bit of a bounce but it’s something we have to expect and be ready for from the first whistle.”
Blues will again be ready to battle but that has come as nothing new for them this season.
The Shrimpers have overcome a number of issues to pick up points.
And Cardwell has benefitted from speaking to those closest to him during the toughest of times.
“I speak to my dad a hell of a lot before and after games,” said Cardwell.
“He’s an encouraging voice who will point out what I could do better but he’s my number one fan as well so he’s someone I can really rely on for positive affirmations.
“I used to speak to a psychologist when I was a lot younger and first stepped into first team football as I struggled a bit but I haven’t done that for a long time.”
