SOUTHEND & EMT host Wickford in a crucial Division One clash at Southchurch Park tomorrow.

The two teams are currently locked level on 106 points, just four points above the relegation.

And Southend skipper Joe Robbins is therefore eager to come out on top.

“It’s a massive game for us both as we are on the same number of points of them,” said Robbins.

“There’s only 40 points separating second bottom from second top which shows how tight the league is.

“After last week’s win it’s vital we get a good run going so we can put daylight between the bottom two and start to climb up the table.”

Southend saw off Buckhurst Hill in their last outing but Wickford were narrowly beaten by one wicket against Hutton.

And their captain Andy Baker is hoping for a positive response against their local rivals.

“It’s another massive game for us this week as the winner will gain a decent advantage over the other,” said Baker.

“We played them earlier this year and we didn't play well at all so we will be looking to improve on that.

“We were also disappointed last week after being narrowly beaten by Hutton so we will be looking to bounce back and if we play the cricket we are capable of then hopefully we can come out on top.”

Second-placed Hadleigh & Thundersley will also be looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to fifth place Harlow.

Hadleigh suffered a 27 run defeat against table topping Colchester last weekend.

But their bowler David Williams insists the team cannot wait to put that right tomorrow.

“The game on Saturday can’t come soon enough after last weekend’s defeat,” said Williams.

“Everyone wants to get back out onto the pitch, perform and be part of that winning side again.

“With Colchester playing Buckhurst Hill, who are just below us in third, it is important we pick up 20 points to try to extend the gap between us and them.”