SOUTHEND United’s supporters hope to be roaring the Shrimpers into the play-off places at Roots Hall this weekend.

A bumper crowd is expected to be in attendance on Sunday.

And among them will be keen Blues fan Adam Milne who believes Phil Brown’s side could end the afternoon sitting in sixth place.

“I was confident up until four or five games ago but I’m hopeful we’re still able to do it,” said the Leigh based 18-year-old who will be watching the game from the West Stand.

“It’s going to be a nerve-wracking day and I’ll be checking my phone to look at Millwall’s score against Bristol Rovers, hopefully after we’ve got the result we all want.

“I wouldn’t change too much in terms of the starting line-up but tactically I hope we don’t keep playing it long to Nile Ranger like we did against Shrewsbury.

“He’s very good technically as well and, like everyone else, I want us to show why we’ve been up there challenging for the play-offs for so long and show why Bury are down where they are too.

“In James Vaughan they have a dangerous striker but they can’t be too good defensively because they are still in danger of going down.”

Bury have conceded 61 goals in the 45 games so far this term.

And life-long Blues fan Marc Chawner is hoping the Shrimpers can add to that tally this weekend.

Chawner will be watching on from the East Stand and is relieved Blues still have a chance to make the play-offs.

“It’s amazing we’re still in contention after the last few games,” said the 56-year-old from Thorpe Bay.

“I just think it shows how close League One really is and if you’re slightly nervous then it can make all the difference.

“Every week for the last month or so I’ve been saying it’s the biggest game of the season but this one really is.

“It’s the last chance saloon for us now and hopefully we can do it but being Southend fans I don’t think we have high expectations.”

Blues go into the game sitting seventh in the table, a point below sixth placed Millwall.

And Chawner, who has supported the club since he was nine, feels the possible return of Ben Coker could prove key.

“I think Ben’s our star player and he gives us a little spark,” said Chawner.

“He makes a difference to us and it’s not a coincidence we’ve stuttered a bit since he was injured.”

However, not all Shrimpers supporters are confident their side will end the season in the play-off positions.

An online Echosport poll attracted more than 650 votes, with 65 per cent of them not expecting Blues to finish the campaign in the top six.