Southend United out to end North Bank hoodoo

All 13 of Blues’ goals at home this season have come in front of the South Stand and Powell’s side have not netted at the other end since Theo Robinson scored against MK Dons back in April.

But Powell wants the nine match streak without a North Bank goal to end against Coventry City tomorrow.

“It’s a really strange quirk and I can’t believe it,” said the 49-year-old.

“We’ve hit the post and the keepers have made some good saves from the Doncaster game onwards.

“Simon Cox’s shot against Oxford hit the bar and the post and that doesn’t happen too often.

“I’ve thought about maybe swapping ends for the first half but we like going towards our fans in the second half so we’re going to have to be clever with regards to attacking that end.

“I’m sure the players know but what can I say?

“It’s certainly not intentional and hopefully we can change it this weekend.”

The ninth-placed Shrimpers will be heading into the game in good spirits after five League One games without defeat.

And Powell is keen to start a busy week in style.

“It’s a three game week so it’s a moving week where you go up and down in a short space of time,” said Powell.

“But we’re not thinking about Walsall or Sunderland just yet, it’s all about Coventry.”

The Sky Blues won promotion from League Two via the play-offs last season and have adjusted well to the higher level.

“Everyone knows the history of Coventry and what they’ve done over the years but they’re playing some good stuff now,” said Powell.

“They’re in a good place and they’ve acquitted themselves really well in League One.

“It will be a tough, tough game for us but we want to make it a tough one for them too.”

Blues have Jason Demetriou and Harry Kyprianou back from international duty with Cyprus this weekend while Powell is also hopeful John White, Tom Hopper and Harry Bunn will be available again after recovering from injuries.

But Luke Hyam (ankle) is still missing.