SOUTHEND United skipper Nathan Ralph is keen to do well in the FA Trophy this season - despite the Shrimpers’ small squad.

Blues have been able to select just two substitutes for their last two games.

But Ralph would still welcome the additional fixtures a Trophy run would bring and is therefore eager to see off Hampton & Richmond in Saturday’s third round clash at Roots Hall.

“As players when you’re in a competition where you can get to Wembley it’s exciting,” said Ralph.

“We will be looking forward to it but of course you do look at our situation and know the league is the priority.

“But, at the same time, this is a competition we want to do well in.”

However, the Shrimpers will face a tough looking test this weekend as they host Hampton & Richmond who are currently second in National League South.

And Ralph knows they will be tricky to beat on Saturday.

“Playing a team from the league below who are doing well will be a tough game,” said Ralph.

“They’re in good form so their confidence will be high and coming to a team in the league above they’ll be at it so it’s a tough test but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”

The Shrimpers will be fresh for the clash after Saturday’s match with Wealdstone was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

But Ralph would ideally have liked the game to go ahead.

“As players we always want to play,” said Ralph.

“We’ve got a few injuries though and it gives them more time to get closer to coming back so you can look at it that way too.”

However, the Shrimpers have continually brushed aside their off-field issues this season.

And Ralph is proud of how well the players have performed.

“We just had a meeting and we looked at where we are stats wise in the league,” said Ralph.

“We’re up there with a lot of things and when you put everything in perspective for us to be where we are is a real credit to everyone involved in the club. “