SEAN Clohessy wants to move a step closer to Wembley by beating Barnet tonight.

Southend United take on the Bees in the second round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

And Clohessy would love to enjoy a long run in the competiton.

“Whatever cup or competition you’re playing in you want to go places,” said the right-back “It doesn’t matter if it’s the Carling Cup, the FA Cup or the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy you still want to win and we want to get through tonight.

“We want to go as far as we can because there’s a chance to play at Wembley at the end of the day and that would just be amazing.”

Blues set up tonight’s clash at Underhill after beating Clohessy’s former side Gillingham on penalties in the first round.

They also head in to the game full of confidence after seeing off Lincoln City 1-0 at Roots Hall on Saturday.

That gave Southend their second successive clean sheet and Clohessy has been pleased by the improvements made by the Blues defence.

“We had a few different partnerships in pre-season and at the start of the league season too but it’s settled now which helps,” said Clohessy, 23.

“We’re doing well because we’re starting to read each other and we’re getting good results as a team now too.

“It doesn’t surprise me though because we have good players and everyone here can play at a higher level.”

Blues have now claimed seven of the last nine points available to them and sit 11th in the League Two table.

In contrast, Barnet are 21st in the standings and have triumphed just once in their last five games.

That came on Saturday as they saw off bottom of the table Hereford United and the Bees will therefore be looking to build on that tonight.

Barnet are now bossed by former Blues and Canvey Island defender Mark Stimson, while Southend based ex Chelmsford City winger Ricky Holmes has been named in their squad.