SOUTHEND & EMT face a crunch clash with Shenfield this weekend.

Saturday’s defeat to Hornchurch saw Southend level on points with relegation rivals Colchester & East Essex.

And Southend skipper Joe Robbins is keen to see a strong reaction.

“It’s a hugely important game for us and it’s vital we get a win,” said Robbins.

“We beat Shenfield at our place so I fully expect them to want to get some revenge for that.

“But they’ve had a good second half of the season and are a decent side so we know we’ll have to be at our best.

“However, we only have three games left now so it really is now or never for us so it’s imperative we come away with maximum points, especially as Colchester seem to be finding some form.”

Eighth placed Southend suffered an 88 run defeat to Hornchurch last time out.

Robbins proved to be the most dangerous with the ball as the Southend skipper finished with bowling figures of 3/82.

Ben Wathen, Harry Ridgewell and John Horne all chipped in with a wicket apiece as Hornchurch declared on 305/6.

Only three Southend batsmen could get more than 20 runs.

And, as a result, Southend fell short and were all out for 217.

Robbins top scored with 76 runs, while Ridgewell fell nine runs short of a half-century. Joe Sibbons amassed 32 runs.

Wathen, who took a wicket against Hornchurch, will miss out this weekend, along with Steve Hunt.

But Alex Karkoski and Adam Rendall will come in for the clash with Shenfield.