ANTHONY Wordsworth is hoping the force will be with Southend United when they host Coventry City at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The Shrimpers midfielder bagged his sixth goal of the season in Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy clash with Oxford United.

And the 27-year-old is now keen to add to his tally against the Sky Blues - just hours before he will be dressing up as Star Wars’ Darth Vader at the club’s Christmas party.

“I’ve got the suit and mask ready to wear but we have to make sure we get the win to make the evening more enjoyable,” said Wordsworth.

“This year we had to draw a letter out of a hat which your fancy dress costume had to begin with and I picked out ‘D’ so I’m going as Darth Vader which should be quite entertaining.

“There are some other great costumes flying around but obviously the most important thing is the match and making sure we win because we’ve been doing well in the league lately and want to keep the run going.”

Blues have not been beaten in their last eight league games and now sit 10th in the standings, just a point outside the play-off positions.

In stark contrast, Coventry are struggling in 21st place and Wordsworth is desperate to add to their problems.

“Coventry have been struggling and we’re at home where we’ve been doing well this season so it’s one we’re definitely looking to win,” said Wordsworth.

“We have a few home games coming up, with three of the next four at Roots Hall, so we’re keen to keep the run going and be right in the mix at Christmas.

“The next two games are huge and we want six points, but we can only think about Coventry at the moment and making sure we beat them.”

Blues will also be looking to bounce back from their disappointing Checkatrade Trophy elimination at the hands of Oxford.

The Shrimpers were beaten 4-3 on penalties against the U’s after Wordsworth’s late equaliser ensured the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

But the attacking midfielder believes the game will ensure Southend are back to their best on Saturday.

“Tuesday was a horrible game and after 10 days we were a bit sluggish but I think it will have done us good and mean we are much sharper for Saturday,” said Wordsworth.

“I still think we probably did enough to win against Oxford and losing was tough to take but we’re looking to bounce back now.”