SOUTHEND United midfielder Will Atkinson is desperate to help the Shrimpers secure their first cup victory in 22 months when they head to Crawley Town tonight.

Atkinson has not started in the Shrimpers’ last six matches.

And the 26-year-old is therefore keen to make the most of any opportunity coming his way in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy second round clash.

“The JPT gives the manager a chance to play a few of the boys who haven’t been playing recently and hopefully I can be one of them,” said Atkinson.

“The most frustrating part of football is not playing and it’s hard to deal with.

“You have to keep yourself motivated in the hope that a chance might be coming your way.

“You need to stay fit and be ready for any opportunity you might get so this is a big game which we want to do well in because many people say it’s the best chance for League One and League Two teams to get to Wembley.”

Atkinson has already lined up at the world famous home of English football on three separate occasions.

But for that to happen again Blues must secure their first victory in a cup competition since they saw off Millwall 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2014, when Atkinson was among the goalscorers.

However, since thrashing the Lions, the Shrimpers have been beaten by Hull City, Walsall, AFC Wimbledon, Chester and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Southend also failed to advance beyond the first round of any cup competition last season.