ECHOSPORT talks to Hampton & Richmond fan Josh Mann ahead of this weekend's FA Trophy clash at Southend United.

Hampton & Richmond are currently third in National League South so what have you made of the season so far?

"After a shaky start which saw us win just two of our opening 10 league games, since we won away at Havant and Waterlooville, our season has really kick started.

"With the win at Havant, it started an unbeaten run which is still ongoing, where we won six in a row, and are currently 11 unbeaten.

"Having been as high as second, the season has been brilliant so far."

How confident are you of getting promotion this season?

"With Yeovil who are looking the runaway leaders so far, it seems like it will have to be the play offs.

"Our record in the National League South play offs isn’t the best, having lost three finals, and I still feel like we can’t keep this incredible run going, and eventually we will hit another tough spell.

"When we’re at our best, the football is superb and certainly that of a side looking for promotion."

How important is the FA Trophy to you?

"Frustratingly for me, in recent years we haven’t had the best record in the FA Trophy.

"Before this season we hadn’t really been challenging for promotion, nor threatening with relegation, so I would’ve loved to see us go on a run.

"However, now with us looking genuine promotion contenders, the main focus has to be on the league.

"Having said that, we will still give it a really good go on Saturday, and treat it as a free hit."

What's the team news?

"Two of our key players in Mason Bloomfield and Jordan Thomas were missing from the draw with Braintree on Tuesday, and it remains to be seen whether either will be fit for Saturday.

"Connor Kurran-Browne who is always a handful on the wing, has been absent for a while.

"At the back, the two centre half partnership of Luis Fernandez and Dean Inman have been formidable this season.

"However this will soon be broken up, with Inman off to Australia for a month, for a wedding.

"We have signed a short term replacement in Sam Dreyer on loan from Peterborough, and it remains to be seen whether he will make his debut at Roots Hall or not.

"In net, Adam Desbois has been a superb shot stopper and at times has kept us in games and rescued us a lot of points."

Who is the dangerman?

"The biggest threat for us will be Ben Seymour, our top scorer this season with nine goals.

"When provided with the right service, he can be lethal in front of goal.

"He also has a 100 per cent penalty record thus far, something we have really needed as we have been pretty shocking at penalties before this season.

"Other threats would be the creative midfielders of Jake Gray and Sam Deadfield, both quietly having very underrated seasons.

"If Bloomfield, as mentioned previously, is fit then he will be a real handful up top.

"Him and Seymour up front together really compliment each other, and his presence was sorely missed on Tuesday night.

"Alfy Whittingham always has a real impact when coming off the bench and may be due a start soon."