SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has ordered his team to remain ruthless when they take on bottom of the table Torquay United tomorrow.

The third placed Shrimpers head to Plainmoor unbeaten in their last seven games while Torquay have triumphed just once in their last 12 outings.

But, despite that vast difference in recent results, Brown has warned his players to expect a backlash from Torquay.

“We’re facing a wounded animal in Torquay this weekend and there’s always the chance of them biting back and hurting us,” said the Blues boss.

“I know their manager Alan Knill very well indeed as we played in the same Halifax side for a few seasons so I know they will certainly be up for the fight.

“We have to be ready to match that and most of all we have to be ruthless.

“We need to make sure we start well and get on top to make sure it’s us who dictates the game.

“That’s important because I fully believe Torquay’s form will turn at some stage and we just have to make sure that it isn’t against us.”

Southend go in to the game just a point off the top of the League Two table.

And Brown wants to start what could prove to be a crucial stage of the season with another good result.

“We have a lot of games coming up and Christmas time is also important so we want to keep this good run we’re on going,” said Brown.

“It’s important to try and stay fresh and we will have that with Freddy Eastwood, Will Atkinson and Ryan Leonard all coming back in to the squad.

“Cauley Woodrow will be returning next week too so all of a sudden we have a few options and I’m going to have to start getting used to these kind of selection headaches.”

Saturday’s game will also see the Shrimpers come up against their former striker Elliot Benyon for the first time since he left the club last summer.

Benyon scored twice in 28 appearances during a disappointing spell at Roots Hall before being released by Brown at the end of last season.

The 26-year-old has scored twice in 19 games for the Gulls this term.