Daniel Bentley desperate to help Southend United end poor home run with win against Plymouth Argyle (From Echo)

Daniel Bentley desperate to help Southend United end poor home run with win against Plymouth Argyle

11:00am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in Blues By Chris Phillips

DANIEL Bentley wants to help Southend United end their ‘mind-boggling’ home form when they host Plymouth Argyle at Roots Hall tonight.

Blues have not won in six games at their own ground and have triumphed there just once since Christmas.

But Bentley, who was recalled in goal for Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Torquay United, is desperate for the run of indifferent results to end this evening.

“I don’t think anybody knows why our home form has been the way it is and it’s mind-boggling if I’m being honest,” said the 19-year-old.

“However, we have to win tonight if we’re serious about the play-offs and we need to go out hammer and tongs to make sure we get the three points.

“Hopefully I can play a part in trying to make that happen and we have to also show no fear if we are to stop teams doing to us what we do to them we’re playing away from home.”

Victory tonight would push Blues to within three points of the play-offs as promotion rivals Cheltenham Town and Rotherham United are both not in action.

Eighth placed Southend will have played a game more than them after this evening’s encounter against the Pilgrims.

And, having already dropped points at home to struggling AFC Wimbledon and Torquay in the past week, Bentley believes 21st placed Plymouth will also be tough opposition.

“There have been a few changes there just recently with a new manager coming in and they won against Fleetwood at the weekend too so we will be in for a hard game,” said Bentley.

“But they will be making a long journey to play us and we need to try and capatilise on the situations we’ve been getting.”

Bentley looks set to again be selected in the starting line-up ahead of Paul Smith.

And, after 21 consecutive matches on the bench, the former Bromfords School pupil is delighted to have worked his way back in to the team.

“I want to be playing and hopefully I did enough on Saturday to warrant being selected again tonight,” said Bentley, who came through the youth system at Roots Hall.

“Other than one dodgy throw out I thought I did OK and I really enjoyed playing again.

“I didn’t know I was in the side until Saturday morning so it came as a nice surprise.

“I always prepare for every game as if I’m playing so it wasn’t a problem but it would be great if I could get a few more matches under my belt now.”