SOUTHEND United striker Jake Cassidy wants it to be a case of unlucky 13 for his former Tranmere Rovers side at Roots Hall tomorrow.

Cassidy, who is with the Shrimpers on loan from Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers, has failed to score in his previous 12 games for Phil Brown’s team.

And he is desperate to break his duck this weekend to ensure Blues continue their push for automatic promotion.

“You need you first goal to get yourself going and hopefully I can get mine tomorrow,” said the 22-year-old.

“But as long as I’m playing well, putting a shift in for the team and we’re getting good results to get us closer to the top then I’ll be happy.”

Cassidy returned to Southend’s starting line-up at Hartlepool on Monday after seven games on the bench and impressed alongside Barry Corr in attack.

His performance helped fifth placed Blues triumph 1-0 to move within five points of the top three with a game in hand.

And Cassidy is adamant automatic promotion is still possible for Phil Brown’s side.

“There are still a lot of points to be played for and we’re all confident we can push on to get in the top three,” said the striker.

“We’re not a million miles away from it and if we can win again tomorrow then the picture could look a whole lot different.”

In stark contrast to the Shrimpers, Tranmere are currently fighting to avoid relegation and sit second from bottom in the standings.

But Cassidy, who has spent three separate spells on loan with the Merseysiders, is shocked to see them struggling this season.

“At the beginning of the season I thought they would be challenging for promotion but it just hasn’t happened for them,” said Cassidy.

“They’ve had a lot of changes, they’ve had loan players coming and going and sometimes that can work against you.

“I think they’ve paid massively for all the changes and it’s disappointing for the whole club and their fan-base doesn’t deserve to be where they are.”

But Cassidy cannot afford to feel any sympathy for them this weekend and is eager to make the most of his latest opportunity to impress.

“It had been frustrating for the past six or seven weeks not playing so it was nice to start at Hartlepool again on Monday,” said Cassidy.

“Joe Pigott and Barry Corr had been playing well and scoring goals so sometimes you just have to bide your time.

“You have to wait for an opportunity and I think I took it at Hartlepool and hopefully if I’m given the chance I can do the same tomorrow as well.”