JACK Bridge has watched Southend United line up in major finals - but now he wants to play in one with the Shrimpers.

Bridge went to Cardiff twice and to Wembley to see Blues battle it out.

However the wing-back now has sights set on FA Trophy success with his hometown club this season and is therefore determined to beat Hampton & Richmond in Saturday’s third round clash at Roots Hall.

“Wembley is the dream and that’s what this competition gives the teams in our division and below,” said Bridge.

“I went to Cardiff and to Wembley to watch Southend so to play there would be incredible.

“But it’s a difficult game on Saturday so we can’t afford to look too far ahead at this stage.”

Blues go into the game having not played since the end of November after last weekend’s match with Wealdstone was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

And Bridge was slightly frustrated to see the clash called off during what has become a strange period for the Shrimpers.

“It’s annoying when games are called off but we trained a few days before it and we knew the pitches were going to be the way they were with the weather changing,” said Bridge.

“It’s been a strange month or so as the games have really slowed down.

“A couple of months ago I think we had eight games in a month and it was relentless but we only played three last month I think and this one has started with one being called off.

“That helps us with a few boys being injured and it’s a nice rest for those who have been playing non-stop but you always want to play.”

Blues will be back in action this weekend when they take on Hampton & Richmond at Roots Hall.

But Bridge has already learnt the hard way how tough teams in National League South can be to beat this season.

“We played Yeovil in the FA Cup who are top of the league Hampton & Richmond are in and they were flying,” said Bridge.

“They were good and we know this won’t be an easy game but it’s one we want to go and win.

“We want to do well in every competition to be honest and it’s another game we want to win to keep the little run we’re on going.”

The Shrimpers have been beaten just once in their last 10 league games.

But Bridge is looking to play even more of part.

“I haven’t scored as many goals as I would’ve liked so far this season,” said Bridge, who has hit the back of the net four times this term.

“If I can get a few more I’ll be happy with that but I’m happy with the chances we’ve all been creating and we want to keep that going.

“We’ve been training well and we’ll be ready for Saturday.”