Southend United boss Rob Newman has ordered his men to stay focused on finishing the job against Roots Hall visitors Chesterfield during their FA Cup second round replay.

Second Division promotion chasers Tranmere Rovers will travel to the winners of this evening's rematch, but the Shrimpers chief warned his side that the Spireites would be no pushovers.

"Everybody was on a real high after our 1-1 draw at Chesterfield in the first game ten days ago," said Newman.

"The jubilation was even greater because we had lost our seven previous Third Division away matches in succession before visiting Chesterfield, who are a division above us.

"But we need to remember the job is only half done -- people shouldn't expect tonight's game to be a foregone conclusion.

"Chesterfield may be struggling in the Second Division, but they pulled off a great 1-0 win at Reading the week before they played us in the original cup tie.

"And Reading are one of the Second Division's promotion favourites which highlights just how dangerous Chesterfield are away from home."

And Newman's number two, David Crown, pleaded with Blues' fans to get behind the Shrimpers.

"We're hoping to attract a crowd of more than 5,000 spectators tonight and their vocal support can make a major difference to the outcome," he said.

"But our fans need to remain patient as we could be in for a tight match. Our scouting reports tell us Chesterfield like to go away from home and frustrate teams."

Blues are 14th in Division Three, while Chesterfield, who warmed up for this evening's clash with a 3-2 home defeat against QPR at the weekend, are 18th in Division Two.

Southend's only injury doubt is winger Scott Forbes (ankle) who missed Saturday's 1-0 win at Rochdale.

Chesterfield are at full strength, which will mean a first Roots Hall return for former Blues defender Martyn Booty.

But the visitors will be without eight goal top-scorer Luke Beckett, who has joined First Division Stockport County for £100,000.

If tonight's game is all square after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties will decide the outcome.

Southend (from): Flahavan, Searle, Broad, Whelan, Cort, Newman, Hutchings, Thurgood, Maher, Rawle, Bramble, Kerrigan, McSweeney, Beard, Johnson, Belgrave, Gay.

Chesterfield (from): Abbey, Breck-in, Booty, Payne, Richardson, D'Auria, Parrish, Reeves, Edwards, Howard, Willis, McPhail, Williams, Rushbury, Smith, Wilding, Richmond.

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Published Tuesday December 18, 2001