PREMIER DIVISION: Southend & EMT will be looking to move further away from the drop zone when they host Hornchurch tomorrow.

Southend saw off relegation rivals Upminster last weekend.

But skipper Joe Robbins knows it will be tough to build on that victory against a strong Hornchurch side.

“I think Saturday’s game is going to be a very even contest, but we know we’re in for a difficult game,” said Robbins.

“Hornchurch are a good side and sit fourth in the league, which proves that.

“We know it will be tough and that we will need to be at our best if we’re going to match them and get another good result.”

Southend’s win at the weekend kept them third from bottom in the standings.

But they are now 15 points clear of Colchester & East Essex, who occupy the final relegation position.

And the victory also boosted Southend’s spirits ahead of tomorrow’s game.

“We are full of confidence again and we are really looking forward to getting back out there this weekend,” said Southend captain Robbins, whose side were promoted from Division One on the final day of last season.

“It’s a game we’ve actually looked forward to for a while because we felt as though we let ourselves down at their place big time with a really poor performance.

“We want and need to go and put that right now and show what we’re about.

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t do that either, especially as we’re playing at home again.

“We would back ourselves to beat anybody at home and hopefully we can show just why tomorrow.

“The games are starting to run out a little bit now so it’s an important game and one we need to pick up points in.”

Southend have made two changes to their starting line-up for tomorrow’s game, with Matt Wagstaff and John Horne replacing Callum Druce and Adam Rendall.

Saturday’s clash with Hornchurch increases in importance as the two teams below them in the table face each other this weekend.

Bottom of the table Upminster host Colchester, meaning one of them will definitely close the gap this weekend.

Upminster are currently 25 points below Southend with just four games of the season remaining.

However, Southend are also just six points below Ilford, who take on table-topping Wanstead this weekend.