SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell is keen to avoid a shock result tonight - just four days after guiding the Shrimpers to one of their own.

Blues brushed aside League One leaders Wigan Athletic 3-1 at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And Powell - whose side travel to bottom of the table Bury this evening - feels Blues’ win showed the unpredictability of third tier football.

“People would have looked at our game on Saturday, seen the way Wigan had been playing and had it down as an away banker as they hadn’t been beaten since November,” explained Powell.

“But we showed what can happen and also what we’re capable of, especially in the first half.

“I think what we achieved on Saturday was huge against an excellent side.

“I think it’s the result of the season so far for the club, but we have another very tough proposition now and it’s another very hard game for us.”

Blues have risen up to 14th in the League One table after winning all three of Powell’s games in charge.

But Powell feels the struggling Shakers will also be heading into the game in a confident frame of mind after going four games without a defeat.

“Bury have done well of late and got a morale boosting late equaliser at Bradford on Saturday,” said Powell.

“They have a lot of players with Football League experience in League One and higher, but they have someone in charge (Ryan Lowe) who knows the club.

“They’ve been galvanised and they’re picking up points but they will be looking at us and seeing we’re in a good place and rightly so.

“Saturday’s result was well earned but we have to back that up against Bury now.”

And the game will also bring back happy memories for Powell, who secured promotion with the Shrimpers at Gigg Lane back in 1991 when Ian Benjamin’s goal secured the points needed for David Webb’s side to win promotion to what is now the Championship.

“Don’t remind me of that game, I was sub,” laughed Powell.

“I got on the pitch and Ian Benjamin scored.

“He was a talisman for the club, so it was quite apt he scored that goal.

“It was a long time ago now, but it was a great day for us and I’ll certainly take another 1-0 there tonight with a clean sheet too.

“It’s a great memory but we’re trying to make our own now.”