Neil Jenkins was the only man celebrating last year

Sincil Bank is the venue for the travelling Blues, and it is a ground where United have suffered mixed fortunes in recent years. Two years ago Steven Clark scored his only Football League goal to date when set up by Rob Newman to seal a narrow 1-0 triumph, but last season Neil Jenkins’ outstanding thirty-yard free-kick was nothing more than a consolation in a 2-1 defeat.

It has been a similar story in Shrimpers vs. Red Imps fixtures this season, as the clubs have already met on two occasions at Roots Hall. In the first, Lincoln visited on the back of a woeful start to the campaign but kicked off a lengthy unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory – defender Duncan Jupp was the latest man to miss a spot-kick in that encounter. It was happier times in the F.A. Cup as Southend smashed three past City on their way to the third round.

Since then much has happened with respective managers – Tilson has become installed as the permanent gaffer at the Hall, whilst Keith Alexander has suffered a heart scare. All in football wish Alexander the very best, and he is now back in the dugout barking out the orders. There are times when the game has to come a distant second, and that was one.

However, the Red Imps are enjoying a happier period now and have the prospect of moving into the play-off places with a win over United this evening (kick off 7:45 p.m.). The respective positions of the two sides, as with many ties at this late stage of the season, makes for another nail-biting ninety minutes, with the Seasiders looking forward to a possible 14^th spot should they take all three points and see other results go their way. The win could also see the visitors move twelve points clear of the relegation zone with Macclesfield having just eight games left if they crash tonight – that would be an almost safe position.

As they attempt to do so, they will be able to call upon an almost fully fit squad. The only members missing from the party will be Jamie Fullarton, who is back in training after a series of injuries, and Leke Odunsi, his fellow central midfielder, who appears to be forever a couple of weeks away from full fitness. Michael Husbands remains out with a back problem. Mark Gower should be able to make the trip despite missing Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Swansea City with a slight hamstring complaint.

As a result, manager Tilson and team coach Paul Brush are unlikely to make any sweeping changes from the line-up that failed to punish the Swans after the visitors were reduced to ten men with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining. Darryl Flahavan looked shaky at times without being at fault for the goal, but he stays between the sticks ahead of frustrated reserve team shotstopper Carl Emberson.

In defence, two positions are up for grabs ahead of Sunday’s big LDV Vans Trophy final in Cardiff. Che Wilson holds the left-back jersey, but both Jamie Stuart and Neil Jenkins will be hoping to be handed a chance as the Ely-born performer fails to make it his own. Meanwhile, Mark Warren can find himself unfortunate in serving a one-match suspension and losing out at centre-back to Lewis Hunt, despite a number of commanding performances. Leon Cort and Duncan Jupp will be there as ever.

In midfield, the only man truly under threat is Carl Pettefer. The on-loan wide man failed to impress on the left flank against City three days ago, and could be replaced by Gower. Another option for Tilson would be to move the Portsmouth man into the middle in place of Mark Bentley, who is cup-tied on Sunday. Leon Constantine is likely to start the game out of position on the right wing again, after managing to create a number of chances on Saturday.

Up front the name of Lawrie Dudfield is sure to ring around the stands as the hot shot guns for his sixth goal in just his ninth game for Blues. Dudfield is likely to be partnered again by Drewe Broughton, who will be rueing his last-minute miss against the Welshmen that denied him his second Football League goal for Southend. Tesfaye Bramble, who signalled his intent in an interview with Sky Sports News, and James Corbett, also prowl for an opportunity to shine.

The Red Imps will be without defender Mark Bailey, who picked up a hernia knock in the 4-1 win over Mansfield Town at the weekend. However, massive centre-half Ben Futcher and new signing Kevin Sandwith will both be hoping to gain a spot in the starting line-up in his stead. Winger Peter Gain will undergo a late fitness test on his ankle before learning if he can be involved, whilst loanee Kevin Ellison hopes to feature in his second fixture after joining from Stockport County.

TEAM DETAILS

Likely Squads

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com