Southend United are sending out a strong squad for tonight's Essex Thames-side Trophy Third Round clash against Maldon Town at Roots Hall.

Assistant Blues boss Mick Gooding's team will include no less than nine players who can boast first-team experience against the Jewson Premier League minnows.

However, Gooding made it crystal clear that he does not expect any slip-ups in a competition which gives Southend's fringe players, who are without a reserve team, desperately-needed match practice.

Gooding said he did not want to see a repeat performance of the Shrimpers' display in the previous round when they narrowly scraped a penalty shoot-out victory over Schweppes Essex Senior League outfit Great Wakering Rovers.

"I want all my players to take this game seriously tonight by making sure we progress through to the next round comfortably," said the 39-year-old player coach.

"What I don't want is a repeat performance of our bitterly disappointing display at Wakering in the last round.

"We had another strong line-up on show that night, but let ourselves down badly. I don't want to see the same thing again.

"I'm looking for a big improvement in commitment from my men, who should be fighting to put themselves back in first team contention.

"I also want them to show they realise how lucky they are to earn their livings as professional footballers by enjoying the game and getting us a good result."

However, Gooding added that some of Southend's newer faces will also be given their chance to shine. "Although I want to use this game for our first team squad players, some of the youngsters will get a chance to show what they can do and stake their claim."

Crocked defensive duo Julian Hails and Leo Roget are expected to play some part in the proceedings.

Current Player of the Season Hails has been out of action with knee trouble for the past five months, while Roget has been plagued by back and hamstring trouble for five weeks.

Forward Neil Campbell also returns to action following a troublesome groin injury and three-match suspension.

Southend (from): Spittle, Morley, Roget, Harris, Hails, Livett, Clarke, Campbell, Burns, Gooding, Johnson, Hunter, Cross, Kerrigan, Abiodun.

Blues' Third Division league game against Rochdale has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, March 9.

The Shrimpers were due to meet the Lancastrian team tonight, but the game was postponed because of Rochdale's fixtures build-up.

Julian Hails - expected to make return in a Blues shirt after five months out injured

Picture: ANDY PALMER

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