Southend United striker Mark Rawle is winning his fitness battle ahead of former club Boston's first Roots Hall visit this Saturday.

The 23-year-old limped out of last weekend's 1-1 FA Cup draw with Bournemouth, after grabbing his fourth goal of the campaign, with a recurrence of his troublesome groin injury.

But Rawle -- who joined Blues from the Pilgrims, last season's Football Conference champions, for £60,000 two years ago -- is ready to face his old club after returning to first team training.

"Mark has been working with the rest of the players this week and should be okay for Saturday's squad," said Shrimpers boss Rob Newman.

"He had to come off against Bournemouth as his groin started giving him trouble again.

"But Mark is desperate to play against his old club -- this is one he really wants to be fit for."

Meanwhile, Newman said Blues were still waiting to hear the fate of Stuart Thurgood, who was sent off during Tuesday night's 2-1 Essex Senior Cup victory at Ryman One North side Hornchurch.

The 21-year-old midfielder got in a tangle with former Southend and West Ham forward Steve Jones at the end of the game and was shown a straight red card.

Blues have subsidised supporters coaches again for Tuesday evening's FA Cup second round replay at Bournemouth.

Tickets are just £5 and the coaches will depart from Roots Hall at 2.30pm and Basildon's Jolly Cricketers at 2.55pm.

To book your place call Blues directly on 01702 304050 or contact Chris Berry on 01702 558978 or 07703 898698.

Published Thursday, December 12, 2002

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