A YOUNG Southend United side will face Dagenham & Redbridge in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup this evening.

The clash at Victoria Road will be Blues’ first in the competition this season.

And under 21 coach Kevin Maher - who will be heading back to one of his former teams tonight - is hoping for a long run in the cup.

“You don’t get to play for many trophies at our level so we certainly want to go as far as we can in this competition,” said Maher.

“We couldn’t really be facing a more difficult first game as Dagenham always have a big squad and will be fielding a strong team.

“But we’re going with a young side and it will be a good test for them.

“Essex Senior Cup games will be a step up in terms of physicality so it’s good for their development.

“It’s also a chance for them to show the manager that they can deal with the step-up.”

Blues are expected to field a starting line-up of players all aged under 21.

Left-back Harry Kyprianou and striker Jason Williams are both likely to be in action.

But midfielder trio Jack Bridge, Renei Batlokwa are Harry Phillips are all absent with injuries along with right-back Jordan Williams who made his first team debut against Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Trophy earlier this season.

Tonight’s game gets underway at 7.45pm.