SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown feels his side will travel to Cheltenham Town with renewed confidence and belief tonight.

Blues got their season back on track with a hard fought 2-0 win against Portsmouth at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And Brown is certain that has done wonders for his team ahead of the clash at Whaddon Road.

“We’re going to Cheltenham on the back of a good performance against Portsmouth and we’ve going there with renewed confidence and belief because of it,” said Brown.

“It’s a big week for everyone in the league but we’ve got three points already and we want to make it six.

“There’s a buzz around the place again and we want that to stay.”

However, Cheltenham will be tough opponents for the Shrimpers.

They are currently fifth in the League Two table.

And Brown is fully aware of the threat they will pose having previously tried to sign two of their strikers.

“Cheltenham are a strong side and we actually tried to bring in two of the strikers we have,” confirmed Brown.

“John Marquis is someone we’ve been interested in and Terry Gornell is another we’ve spoken to in the past as well so we know what they’re about.

“Cheltenham will also be looking to get back among the goals after not scoring in their last couple of games.”

Brown has now new injury problems to contend with ahead of the game.

But he did admit that substitutes from Saturday’s win were pushing to be included in his team.

“Shaq (Coulthirst) came on and got his goal and Dave Worrall and Will Atkinson did well too,” said Brown.

“We have Lee Barnard wanting to get involved too as well as Conor Clifford of course so we have that bit of feistiness you need with competition for places.”

Southend will again be without left-back Ben Coker (elbow), midfielder Michael Timlin (elbow) and centre-back Cain Bolger (thigh).

Striker Barry Corr is in line to make his 150th appearance for the club while young striker Jason Williams and defender Emmanuel Adeyeye have also been included in the squad.