SOUTHEND United’s young guns head to MK Dons in a tough looking FA Youth Cup clash tonight confident history will not be repeated.

Blues were beaten 6-0 by table-topping Leyton Orient in the first round of last season’s competition.

But the Shrimpers’ head of academy Ricky Duncan believes his team will be able to test a Dons side who are currently leading the way in the league.

“We’ve drawn the league leaders for the second year running but we’ve got up behind them in second place so it should make for a strong encounter,” said Duncan.

“We lost against them 4-3 earlier on in the season but we didn’t take enough of our chances that day and since then we’ve become more clinical.

“We have a good team spirit and we’ve found a shape which suits them so we’re looking forward to going there.

“They’re a good side but so are we so it will be a good game.”

Blues are expected to have Dru Yearwood - who has made eight first team appearances this season - in their starting line-up tonight along with goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.

The shot-stopper has been on the bench for the last nine first team matches and will be among those Duncan believes will be excited by tonight’s game.

“It’s the nearest you can get to first team football within youth football,” said Duncan.

“We’ll go to a hotel for a pre-match meal and they will do everything the first team do to get ready for the game.”

Dan Humphreys will start for the Shrimpers at right-back and the Benfleet-based 17-year-old cannot wait to take to the pitch.

“It’s an exciting time and we’re all feeling positive,” said the former Appleton School pupil.

“As a player we all want to be playing in these games but we have to see it as just another match.

“MK Dons are strong but it’s first against second so it’s set up beautifully for a really good game.

“We have enough in our group to go and win it and I’m positive we will do that. We had an inconsistent start but we’ve overcome that and we’re full of confidence going into it.”

Eren Kinali will also start further forward and is confident of coming out on top.

“I’m feeling positive and I think we can go there and get a result if we all perform,” said Kinali.

“There’s an extra buzz about the game and we’re excited.”