Easter weekend is at last upon us and as most of us get ready to take a well-deserved break from the trials and tribulations of working life, the Dons will be as busy as ever as they look to gather momentum for the forthcoming play-off campaign. There's even an outside hope that our rivals may still falter, and a much-needed win at Roots Hall tomorrow could see the automatic promotion dream well and truly back on track.
I personally have very fond memories of Southend, if only for personal reasons. I've yet to find a better place to woo young ladies in the hope of satisfying those teenage urges that we've all been familiar with at one time or another. I've also yet to record a place that has led me to as many blow-outs, brush-offs and slaps round the face as Southend has managed to give me.
There was also, of course, that mazy run from Gary Smith that saw us dump the Shrimpers out of the FA Cup back in 2005 when Southend were flying high in League One while we were facing the prospect of relegation under Danny Wilson. It was a day of welcome relief in what turned out to be a frustrating and disappointing campaign, but Smudgers goal will always be one of the highlights of that particular season. Is it just me that really, really misses him?
Onto Good Friday 2009, and an early kick-off (1pm) that will limit the festivities until we get back home. The game itself is still a big one though. Southend are in terrific form at the moment, having won 11 (lost 3) of their last fourteen games and look to be in genuine contention for a play-off place come the end of the season. The Dons will be looking to consolidate their own claims by following up on the weekends comfortable 2-0 victory against Brighton. With Southend expecting a bumper crowd for the game, it looks like being one of the trips of the season and, as always, the Fizz will be there in numbers bringing you our post-match summary, detailed match report and our usual features including 'Your Report' and 'Rate the Players'.
Southend have announced a clean bill of health and expect to go into the game with an unchanged side from the one that beat Huddersfield at the Galpharm on Saturday, although striker James Walker remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Top scorer Lee Barnard looks to be the biggest threat for the Shrimpers although Southend, like the Dons, have the ability to score from anywhere and currently boast 18 players that have scored goals in League One this season. It's not going to be a pushover! (Blimey 18, that's nearly two sides, I had no idea!)
The Dons are boosted by the returns of Luke Chadwick and Shaun Cummings, although the latter will be more than fortunate to replace the impressive Carl Regan who really deserves to keep his place in the side after doing little wrong this season. Chadwick could replace Mark Wright as long as Roberto Di Matteo is happy with his fitness, while Saturdays debutant Stephen Gleeson could stay in midfield after impressing in the holding role.
After his industrious performance on Saturday, Ali Gerba could be fortunate enough to hold his place in the side and if his team-mates can get the big man facing goal a little more often, this is definitely a game the Dons can win. Aaron Wilbraham looks doubtful with his ongoing back problem, so Tore Andre Flo should at least get a place on the bench.
See you all in Southend.
And we look forward to it.