SOUTHEND United could have almost as many fans as Dagenham & Redbridge when the two teams meet this weekend, despite the match being played at Victoria Road.

Blues have completely sold out their allocation of 1,500 tickets.

And, with Dagenham currently averaging 1,988 at home this season, Southend may come close to outnumbering their hosts – much to the delight of their manager Paul Sturrock.

“It’s brilliant that we’re taking so many fans to the game and I’m sure they will make plenty of noise in support of the side,” said Sturrock.

“When we went to Barnet last month it almost felt like a home match for us because we had so many fans there and hopefully it will be the same at Dagenham.

“We really do appreciate the fans coming out to watch us play and I’m sure it will really give our players a lift.”

Southend make the short trip to Dagenham sitting top of the League Two table without a defeat in their last 13 matches.

In contrast, Daggers are third from bottom in the standings and have triumphed just once in their previous 13 outings.

But Sturrock has warned his players and the fans to expect a hard test.

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO