SOUTHEND United’s supporters are being urged to fill Roots Hall for Saturday’s crunch play-off clash against Burton Albion.

The Shrimpers head into the semi-final second leg 1-0 down from the first meeting between the two teams.

And boss Phil Brown wants the fans, who will now be allowed to watch from the North Bank, to play a key part in turning round that deficit to secure a Wembley final.

“Our supporters have been superb this season and we really need them to be again on Saturday,” said Brown.

“At Burton on Sunday they were fantastic and travelled in huge numbers but now we want to see Roots Hall full for the second leg.

“They’ve helped us come back from behind a few times this season and games against Portsmouth and York immediately spring to mind when they drove us on to get late winners.

“It really does make a difference and having a big crowd behind us for such an important game would give us a huge boost.”

More than 8,000 tickets for the game, which kicks off at 12 noon, have already been sold.

But club captain John White would love the remaining tickets to get snapped up before Saturday’s clash.

“The fans have been superb all season and it would be great to run out to a packed Roots Hall at the weekend,” said White.

“It’s down to us to produce the goods on the pitch but the support we get really does make a difference.

“I’ve been so impressed by the support since I came here, every game our fans are very loud and proud.

“But we need that more than ever this weekend, it’s the most important game of the season and we want there to be a special atmosphere.”

Tickets for the game are priced at £19 for adults in advance of the game and £21 on the day of the match.

Contact the club’s ticket office on 08444 770077 for more details or visit www.southendunited.co.uk