FREDDY Eastwood does not want another Southend United promotion push to be derailed at Oxford United tomorrow.

Eastwood was part of the Blues side who suffered a costly 2-1 defeat at the Kassam Stadium back in April 2005.

And the striker wants to avoid a repeat performance this weekend.

“I remember going to Oxford and losing and that led on to us missing out on automatic promotion,” said Eastwood, 28.

“I wouldn’t want the same thing to happen again this weekend but it’s a bit different this time because we’re outside the top three trying to get back in there.

“I also don’t think we’re under pressure either because we’ve already made sure of our place in the play-offs.

“Hopefully that means we will be able to play a bit more freedom and get a good result.”

Blues currently sit fifth in the League Two table, four points behind third placed Crawley Town with just two games to go.

Eighth placed Oxford will also be desperate to triumph as they bid to bounce back in to the play-off places.

And Eastwood, whose place in the side could be under pressure from Kane Ferdinand, is keen to again be given the nod by manager Paul Sturrock.

“Hopefully I’ll get to play and we can build on the win we had over Barnet last Friday,” said Eastwood.

“That game was all over after about half an hour and I really enjoyed being up front with Neil Harris.

“He’s an experienced striker who has played at a higher level so he’s good to play next to.

“I thought we did well together against Barnet too but neither of us scored so I’m sure that’s something we will want to change for the game tomorrow. "

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO