SOUTHEND United coach Danny Heath is certain there will be an extra buzz around his side’s FA Youth Cup clash with Harpenden Town.
The Shrimpers take on Town in a second round qualifying clash at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.
And Heath knows his players will be desperate to perform.
“This competition does still have a buzz, especially for the young boys,” said Heath.
“They only really get two years to be involved in it so it means a lot.
“For us it’s another game of football but if we didn’t say the occasion didn’t make it different then we would be lying.
“Any game under the lights at Roots Hall is a special feeling and it’s about the boys being able to control and handle their nerves.
“Yes, be excited by it but it’s about managing everything and playing with a bit of confidence and using everything to spur them on.
“The important thing is to not be overawed and it’s character personality and confidence which will be key.”
The Shrimpers ground out a 1-0 win at Boreham Wood in their last outing but attention has now switched onto tomorrow evening’s encounter.
And Blues have left no stone unturned in their preparation for the game.
“We know a little bit about Harpenden Town and we’ve got footage from their game in the last round too,” said Heath.
“But after our game against Boreham Wood on Wednesday our focus went onto this and as staff we watched the whole game back.
“The players have also been sent the game.
“It’s in the WhatsApp group and quite a few of them have watched it.
“We’ve prepared about them but the main focus is on us and controlling what we can control.
“We want to play the game the way we play the game and it’s about the boys preparing the same way as any other game in our league.”
Young midfielder Beau MacDonald, who is currently on loan at Concord Rangers, is likely to be in contention to play for the Shrimpers.
But it is Joe Poxon who will captain the team.
“Joe has been here since the age of seven and he bleeds blue,” explains Heath.
“He’s been made captain and he’s in the eight player leadership group we also have here.
“They make sure the players are maintaining standards and professionalism on and off the pitch.
“In Joe, we know standards won’t slip.
“If they do he’s the type of person to get them back in line.
“For us he’s the perfect captain and the perfect role model for the young players, They will be inspired and motivated by him.”
Tuesday night's game kicks off at 7.45pm.
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