Not a match either Blues boss Paul Sturrock or reserve team player/coach Graham Coughlan wanted with the current injury list at the club, but they have to be played some time!
1-0 to the Shrimpers last October but it's going to be a much more inexperienced side that steps out this evening at Maldon and Tiptree FC; kick-off 19.00, though a couple of trailists will try their luck, and it would be great if they prove to be a touch useful.
Former Rushden & Diamonds centre-back George Artemi is one, only 18 and originally from EEB's old neck of the woods in Westcliff, while the other is Aveley midfielder Danny Baglioni.
Artemi has spent some time this season on loan to great Wakering Rovers.
However, Farmers reserve-team boss Richard Hall is likely to start with a number of first-team squad members, and maybe the odd one that we've seen at Roots Hall on loan.
The U's though also have players on trail, four of them!
First up are the teenage defenders from Tottenham, Zaine Francis Angol, a 17-year-old left-back, and centre-half Olumide Durojaiye, 18.
Next, a couple of strikers, Fulham's Matthew Reece, 17, and Leeds youngster Jonathan Birbeck, will also see action tonight.
Another former Leeds player, midfielder Ian Westlake, will feature after training with the other team in Essex for the last two weeks following his release from Wycombe Wanderers.
Blues Two's picked up a very credible 1-1 draw at home to Oxford United last week but it will be much tougher tonight. (No Louie Soares, but surprised to see Kyle Asante starting with Aldershot at home only five days away, there's no Alex Woodyard? Must be confident Barry Corr will be fully fit.)
Southend United: Evans, Furlonge, Artemi, Bacutt, Nesbitt, Bouzid, Baglioni, Stephens, Della-Verde, Smith, Asante.
Subs: Auger, Njie, Paxman, Hassini, McKay, Coker.
George Artemi info:
www.digitalfc.com/greatwakeringroversfc/first-team/players/george-artemi