SOUTHEND United are ‘chomping at the bit’ heading into Tuesday night's FA Youth Cup clash at Bowers & Pitsea, according to Blues coach Danny Heath.

The Shrimpers head to the Len Salmon Stadium for the third round qualifying tie having not played since winning 4-1 at Billericay Town in the previous round of the competition at the end of September.

And Heath wants his players to approach the contest with the same professionalism they showed last time out.

“Against Billericay the boys approached it the same as any other game, they showed them respect and put in a good performance,” said Heath.

“Their focus is this game now and they will be professional again.

“The boys know they have to go there and compete if they are to have any chance to get through to the next round.

“It’s the same for Bowers but the boys are looking forward to it.

“We haven’t actually played since Billericay after having two games with MK Dons called off so the lads are chomping at the bit.”

But Heath is expecting a tough tie against Bowers.

“I’ve watched them play against Burnham Ramblers and Hutton as well,” said Heath.

“Our focus will be going there on the night to perform the best we can.

“We want to be the better team and hopefully the boys will get what they deserve if they can do that.

“Bowers are a positive side in terms of how they play.

“They look to get numbers forward from an attacking point of view.

“But there’s no given right to win a game in football, you have to earn it.”

Shrimpers defender Patrick Droney echoed those sentiments and cannot wait for kick-off.

“I’m looking forward to it and we’re really excited,” said Droney.

“We had a decent result against Billericay and we’re going to try our best to do the same again at Bowers.

“We’re missing a few people but we can adapt to that.

“I think the boys get up for it even more for the FA Youth Cup and there’s a lot of history behind it so it’s always a big deal and everyone wants a cup run.”

But midfielder Jacob Bland knows Bowers will be looking to cause an upset.

“I think Bowers will be up for it, just like Billericay were,” said Bland.

“If we bring our game and play like we did that night, we will win the game.

“It’s different to the league because you only have the one chance and we have to make sure we’re ready.

“But the season so far has been really good so we know we can do it.”

Blues will be without the suspended Mo Amir tonight while Habib Bolarinwa misses out with a thigh problem.

READ MORE

>Bowers & Pitsea ready for FA Youth Cup clash with Blues