ECHOSPORT talks to Maidenhead United supporter Shay Bottomley ahead of Tuesday night's match with Southend United.

Maidenhead are currently 16th in the table. What have you made of the season so far?

"To say this season has been bizarre would be an understatement.

"Except for a worrying performance against Notts County on the opening day in August, we seem to have performed better against those above us rather than below us in the table.

"For example, we've dropped points against Maidstone (3-2), Scunthorpe (3-0) and Gateshead (1-0), despite all three being in the relegation zone.

"A winless run (in the league) stretching over two months has been brought to an end following good results at York and Bromley.

"With a 1-1-1 record between MUFC and SUFC so far, who knows what tomorrow night will bring!"

What were the pre season targets and what do you feel can still be achieved?

"It's all about survival for us, with anything else being a bonus.

"That may sound negative, and of course I'd love us to pull off a Sutton and get promoted, but the honest truth is that we're one of the few teams who are not yet full-time.

"There are plans, so I'm told, to go FT in the future, but 20th and above will always be the target until that happens.

"I won't jinx it, but it's safe to say we feel slightly more relaxed at this stage of the season than in previous years."

You have quite a few ex Southend players with Sam Barratt, Emile Acquah, Ashley Nathaniel-George,Kane  Ferdinand and Shawn McCoulsky all in the squad. How have they been doing?

"It's hard to sum up all five in one word, phrase or sentence, but on the whole? Fairly well.

"Emile Acquah has improved dramatically since a year ago, to the point where he's in contention for an award or two come the last days of May.

"He's matured into a cracking player, and he's only 22!

"ANG is a joy to watch - he truly makes a difference down the flanks when he's playing.

"Ferdinand has been wearing the armband in recent matches, and was a contender for man of the match when I last saw him play at York 10 days ago.

"Barratt and McCoulsky feature less so these days, often limited to appearances from the bench, but they do have the potential to make an impact with fresh legs versus a tired defence."

Who is the danger man?

"Whilst I'm at risk of turning this piece into an Emile Acquah love letter, he has scored nine of our goals so far this year, with free kick/penalty taker Charlee Adams following behind on five.

"However, Emile may score the goals, Reece Smith will certainly help create them.

"The youngster has developed through the club's academy, and is now a regular first team starter.

"Reece is one of those players who is just as good off the ball as he is on it; his match awareness and tactical ability allows him to open up the defence, which can make all the difference in the cagier matches."

What’s the team news?

"In between the sticks, Alexis Andre Jr has been chosen over Dan Gyollai in recent matches, which I suspect will continue going forward.

"Alan Dev has never been the keenest to rotate the squad - if it isn't broke, don't fix it - although fixture congestion will force changes up the field going forward.

"We, like Southend, have also pulled out of our county cup obligations due to the sheer number of Tuesday nighters penned in over the coming weeks.

"I'll go for a 4-5-1, with a couple of changes from Saturday, although who and where those changes will be is anyone's guess!"