SIMON Francis is hoping Southend United can avoid a hair-raising end to the season - by securing the point they need at Carlisle United to allow the superstitious right back to finally shave.

The Shrimpers will secure a top-six finish should they draw at Brunton Park.

And Francis, who had vowed to keep his facial hair until the Blues reached the end-of-season play-offs, is itching to get rid of his increasingly bushy beard.

"I can't wait to be able to get rid of it because I hate it," he said.

"It started off as a bit of fun between Adam Barrett and myself but then everyone else picked and there was just no way I could shave!

"We haven't lost for what seems to be an eternity and it was a superstition I somehow ended up with.

"Most people have certain routines or foods they stick to but I ended up looking homeless so it would be a welcome relief to finally be able to get rid of the beard."

The first chance for Francis comes in Cumbria this weekend, but his side could not be facing a harder fixture as second-placed Carlisle boast the best home record in the division.

The Foxes, who are second in the table, have lost just once at their own ground since Septem-ber and Francis is fully aware of the size of the task ahead.

"We know it's a very hard game but it's our biggest one of the season so far because we have the chance to make sure of our place in the play-offs," said the 23-year-old.

"They will also be desperate for the points but we're so confident now.

"I think you saw that in the second half against Northampton last weekend."

We played some great stuff and should definitely have won.

"But we take that into Saturday and will hopefully do better to get the result we need."

Blues have also been boosted ahead of their longest trip of the season by the news that they will be flying to the game instead of making the 340 mile journey by road.

"It's much better flying up because it doesn't take so much out of your legs," said Francis.

"It means we will have more energy on the day and hopefully that will make a difference.

"We're getting the coach back but that isn't as bad, especially if we're coming back home with a good result."

l BLUES boss Steve Tilson had been handed a two match touchline ban for aiming abusive and insulting language at referee Danny McDermid following the 2-2 draw at Leyton Orient in February.

He will be in the stands for the Shrimpers' last two league games of the season and has also been fined £500.