Southend United boss Rob Newman believes his side can storm Bournemouth's Dean Court fortress during this evening's FA Cup second round replay.
The Cherries are aiming for an impressive 10th successive league and cup triumph on home soil with victory against Third Division seaside rivals Blues tonight.
Tes Bramble - a question mark hangs over whether the striker will be fit to play against Bournemouth tonight Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY
Eleven places separate the two teams in the basement league, with Southend in 14th spot, nine points adrift of third placed Bournemouth.
But Shrimpers chief Newman is confident Blues will be celebrating a famous win at full time and a third round Roots Hall showdown with Second Division high-flyers Crewe Alexandra.
"Bournemouth are a good side, which is reflected in their strong home record, but we have nothing to fear," he said.
"Our away form has been excellent this season and on our day we know we can beat anybody on our travels."
Newman said he expected frontman Barrington Belgrave, one of the Hartlepool heroes, to miss out at Bournemouth as he has suffered a family bereavement.
And he is also waiting to hear if seven-goal top-scorer Tes Bramble will feature, as he continues to struggle with an asthma related illness.
Blues midfielder Jay Smith is available again after serving a one-match ban, but another forward, Mark Salter, is cup-tied.
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Published Tuesday, December 17, 2002
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