SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown hopes his side’s freshness will prove key at Northampton Town tomorrow.

The Shrimpers were without a midweek fixture and have not taken to the pitch since beating Millwall 3-1 at Roots Hall on Saturday.

However, the Cobblers did battle with Manchester United in the League Cup on Wednesday night.

And Brown believes that could make a difference this weekend.

“It was an important game for our sake that Northampton were playing Manchester United in a cup game on Wednesday,” said Brown.

“I’m sure Rob Page would have wanted a free week to have a run at us like we are going to have with them but it hasn’t worked out that way.

“I’m not going to say we’re catching them at the right time or anything like that.

“But you would think we’re going to be a bit fresher and, if we apply ourselves properly, hopefully that can make a difference.”

Blues head into the game sitting 21st in the League One standings.

But Brown remains buoyed by his side’s win against Millwall in their previous outing, which saw the Shrimpers end a run of four league games without a victory.

“The two weeks leading up to the Millwall game were the worst I’ve had at Southend but when you get that winning formula back everything looks much better again,” said Brown.

“There are more smiley faces around the place but we need another winning performance now.”

And Brown is urging his side to help make that happen by maintaining their energy levels from the Millwall match.

“The work rate and the energy of the performance was the most important part last week,” said Brown.

“The work rate of the front three in particular was key.

“We’ve highlighted that this week and hope to be able to cause Northampton’s defence problems.

“But having questioned myself and one or two others I now know if we do apply ourselves properly we have a chance of winning games.”

Brown also remains in talks with experienced striker Marc-Antoine Fortune ahead of tomorrow’s clash with the Cobblers.