SOUTHEND United’s Sean Clohessy will make his 150th appearance for the club when Northampton Town visit Roots Hall tomorrow.

And the reliable right-back believes it is a game Blues cannot afford to lose.

Paul Sturrock’s injury hit side sunk to ninth in the League Two table following their midweek defeat to Cheltenham Town.

But Clohessy is hoping for a different outcome this weekend.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted against Cheltenham and I don’t think we can afford to lose to Northampton as well if I’m being honest,” said the 26-year-old.

“We want to stay up with the leading teams and that’s not going to happen if we drop more points tomorrow.

“However, Northampton are in a similar situation to ourselves and will also be wanting to get the win so it’s going to be difficult.”

Blues are now two points and two places below the play-offs and sit just one position below Northampton in the standings.

That makes it another crucial clash at Roots Hall this weekend.

But Clohessy insisted it was not made extra special by his own landmark appearance.

“It’s nice to reach a personal milestone like that but it doesn’t make any difference to the actual game,” said Clohessy.

“It’s already a very important one and I hope I can mark my 150th game with a good performance and result to help us move back up the table.”

Clohessy joined Blues in the summer of 2010 after a very short spell with Bath City.

Prior to that, the former Arsenal trainee had been playing non league football with Salisbury City and feared for his future in the game.

“I was stupid to sign for Bath who were part time and at that time I was thinking about what I could do for work as well as football, “ said Clohessy.

“I couldn’t think of anything though and luckily for me Tommy Widdrington then came to Southend and brought me in.

“I’ve been delighted to have played so many games here because that was my number one aim.

“And I just hope we can pick up the points we need to get promotion this season.”