Matt Paterson; winded last Friday evening but OK
Anthony Grant; a half for the reserves Tuesday afternoon
| 17 | Hartlepool United | 33 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 21 | 23 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 20 | 28 | 9 | 8 | 16 | 41 | 51 | 35 | -10 | ||||
| 18 | Gillingham | 34 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 22 | 9 | 0 | 4 | 13 | 11 | 37 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 33 | 46 | 34 | -13 | ||||
| 19 | Tranmere Rovers | 32 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 19 | 22 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 9 | 29 | 9 | 6 | 17 | 28 | 51 | 33 | -23 | ||||
| 20 | Southend United | 33 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 21 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 16 | 28 | 8 | 8 | 17 | 36 | 49 | 32 | -13 |
Hartlepool United v Southend United this Saturday; it's what the term 'six-pointer' was invented for!
The Shrimper lose, and the home side escape to a relatively safe position in mid-table for a game or two.
Win, and it drags a whole lot of sides into the fun at the bottom.
The good news for Blues boss Steve Tilson is having lost tough midfielder Jean-Francois Christophe to the first game of a four match suspension, it looks as if he can have a like for like swap with Anthony Grant.
Grant came through the mayhem that was a 5-0 defeat for the reserves at home to Watford yesterday still standing after a first half appearance only, and if training goes well for the rest of the week may well start.
Even better is the news that teenage striker Matt Paterson, whose promising partnership with Colchester loanee Scott Vernon looks set to continue.
Matt left the field against Charlton in the second half clutching his ribs after clashing with Addicks keeper Rob Elliot, yet the Southend manager has given him the all-clear.
Forgotten midfield man Stuart O'Keefe is also closer to a return.
Tilly told www.southendunited.co.uk: "Matt's fine. He was a bit winded on Friday but he's trained this week already. Anthony Grant has come through 45 minutes for the reserves yesterday also, and Stuart O'Keefe should return to training next week after his hernia operation a few weeks ago."