FORGET Christmas, this is the most wonderful time of the year for Southend.

It is seven years since they last tasted league defeat during the month of November – an unbeaten run now stretching 23 games.

Nile Ranger’s double at Bury last weekend, his first goals for two years, maintained that remarkable statistic with an emphatic 4-1 triumph.

Southend’s last November defeat was 2-0 at Tranmere in 2009. Since then, they have won 15 and drawn eight to pick up 53 points from a possible 69.

Having taken a point at Valley Parade a month ago, they will head into tomorrow’s quick reverse fixture in high spirits after that Gigg Lane success

On the flipside, Southend have not won successive games since February – something experienced centre half Anton Ferdinand feels they have to remedy.

The former Premier League defender said: “If you don’t win back-to-back games, then the win before doesn’t really count for me.

“We need to get a run together and move up the table so that the wins start to count for something. We have a group here which could really start to flourish.”

Southend are discussing a possible deal with former City player Zavon Hines.

The winger impressed Phil Brown in an outing for the under-21s against Wimbledon in midweek.

The Shrimpers boss said: “I’m sure he will be keen to come here because he’s without a club at the moment. There’s no doubting the fact that Zavon has ability.

“His fitness levels aren’t up to those of other lads in the squad – but that’s only to be expected after the injuries he’s had and the lack of games.

“The window is open for him still because he hasn’t been at a club.”

Hines made 41 appearances in City’s historic 2012-13 campaign, including one at Wembley when he came on for Garry Thompson during the Capital One Cup final.