SOUTHEND United star Jack Bridge is relishing another Friday night clash at Roots Hall.

Having gone from watching Blues to playing for them, Bridge has been involved in several matches just ahead of the weekend.

And the left wing-back believes they create a special atmosphere for the Shrimpers.

“I went to watch quite a few down the years and I know it’s quite a big thing for us to have Friday night games,” said Bridge.

“There used to be quite a few and I don’t know what it is about them but they do bring something more special than a three o’clock game or a Tuesday night.

“I like playing in them now as well.

“I don’t know why but there just seems to be a bit more on the game when it’s a Friday.

“It’s special and hopefully this will be another good one for us.”

Adding to the occasion, tomorrow's match sees two sides in the play-off places going head to head.

The Shrimpers sit seventh in the standings with Barnet in fourth.

And Bridge knows the Bees will be tough to beat.

“We’re a expecting a tough game,” said the former Eastwood School pupil.

“Since we played them last they’ve been on a decent run of form to be fair to them.

“But for us it’s a big game and if we win it we know we climb further up the table so we’re looking forward to it.”

Blues will also head into the game on a high after winning five of their last six league games.

Their latest victory came in dramatic fashion at Torquay United on Saturday with Cav Miley scoring an injury-time winner.

And Bridge remains delighted with the hard-fought win.

“If you’re going to win a game that’s the way to do it, it was brilliant,” said Bridge.

“There’s no better feeling than that after a game.

“In an ideal world we wouldn’t have needed to do that but it’s good to know we have the character and the players to do that at the end.

“I was getting some stick there as well and that’s another reason I was so happy we won because if we hadn’t I think I would’ve got a little bit more at the end.”

Bridge will again be looking to keep the opposition fans quiet and continue his own fine form.

The 27-year-old has regularly impressed down the left hand-side and attracted interest from Notts County just a few weeks ago.

But Bridge insists he is happy at Roots Hall.

“For me, I’m just happy to carry on playing football and I’ve enjoyed this season,” said Bridge.

“I like the position I play in and we’re doing well so I’m focusing on the football.”

And Blues’ players are now able to do just that having now received their wages for January and February.

“It’s quite nice that’s all cleared up now,” said Bridge.

“It’s not on everyone’s minds now and hopefully we can focus on football just a little bit more than we have done.

“To be fair during the whole time it’s been going on it hasn’t distracted us at all but it’s good news.”

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