KEVIN Bond wants Southend United to embrace their relegation decider with Sunderland tomorrow.

The Shrimpers are likely to have to beat the Black Cats at a packed Roots Hall to avoid a return to League Two.

And Bond is keen for 20th placed Blues - who sit immediately above the bottom four on goal difference - to attack the game.

“We need to embrace the game and meet it head on with a positive frame of mind,” said the 61-year-old.

“The likelihood is we will need to win the game so we need to be on the front foot and take the game to them.

“But we’re in control of our own destiny and there’s a lot to be said for that.

“The lads are in good spirits and we will meet this head on.”