Just what Blues boss Paul Sturrock wanted, and for that matter reserve team coach Graham Coughlan, pushing himself to the limit for the first team at the moment.
However, we haven't had a game for a while, and it is a free week League Two wise, so play we must and it's a young side as expected but appearances for keeper Rhys Evans and winger Louie Soares.
Regular starting striker Harry Crawford is rewarded for his double against Hereford last Friday coming off the subs bench with a day off!
Poor old midfielder Adam Bouzid can only warm the bench for a depleted seconds, good bet he'll be off in the summer!
Southend United: Evans, Furlonge, Nesbitt, Woodyard, Obaze, Baucutt, Boyle, James-Lewis, Smith, Soares, Asante.
Subs: Stevens, Bouzid, Paxman, Auger, Ofori-Achampong.