SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is expecting an open encounter when his side take on Chesterfield this afternoon.

Blues will be desperate to get the three points in their bid to make the play-offs while the Spireites also need to win to help them avoid relegation.

And Brown believes that will result in an entertaining game.

“We need the points to get in the play-offs and Chesterfield need them as they’re fighting for survival so it should make for an open game because we both have to win,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“There is a lot riding on the game for both of us but this game is definitely going to be a challenge.

“They’re going to be up for it but so we will we and I think an open game would suit us because of the way we like to play.”

Blues head into the game on the back of two successive defeats and will be looking to stay in contention for a place in the play-offs.

Brown’s side are currently seventh in the League One table, a point behind sixth placed Millwall.

But the 57-year-old believes it will be tough to get back to winning ways against the Spireites.

“This is definitely going to be a real test for us,” said Brown.

“A new manager has been put in place there in Gary Caldwell not so long ago and he likes his sides to play football so it has all the makings of a good game and it’s one we’re looking forward to.

“The last couple of games have been disappointing and I think both Bolton and ourselves paid the price for putting so much effort and determination into the game we had against each other.

“We both struggled to repeat that just a few days later but that’s in the past now.

“This is a crucial weekend but all we’re thinking about is the game with Chesterfield because if that doesn’t go our way then Monday might not really matter.

“But if we win on Friday then Monday will be another massive match which is what we want.”