Next Up: Away to Southend United

With another win under its belt, Paul Tisdale’s injury-ravaged side heads to Southend on Saturday looking to keep pace with leaders Gillingham. John O’Flynn and Liam Sercombe joined the queue for the treatment table following the York match and neither featured on Tuesday night, forcing Tisdale to bring back Tom Nichols from Hereford and introduce Jacob (Jagger!)-Cane for his first taste of Football League action as he enjoyed a brief cameo. Alan Gow is hoping to return to training and may therefore be in contention at least for a place on the bench, but those fans making the long trek to Essex are unlikely to see John O’Flynn, Guillem Bauza or Liam Sercombe. Jimmy Keohane impressed in the support role for Jamie Cureton and may therefore keep his place should Gow not be fit enough to start.

Southend have endured something of a mixed start to the season. A single point from their first three games was followed by four straight wins, but this run ended on Tuesday night with a 1-0 defeat at early leaders Gillingham. Under the stewardship of former Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock, Southend choked at the end of last season to miss out on a promotion place that for most of the season looked fairly assured, and remain one of the favourites for promotion this time round. With five goals so far Watford loanee Britt Assombalonga will be the one to watch, but the squad has plenty of pedigree too in the likes of Gavin Tomlin and Neil Harris. One player unlikely to feature will be Barry Corr – the striker who spent the 09/10 season in City’s colours (when not suspended!) has just resumed training after a year out.

Quiz buffs know that the answer to the question “Who have City played most often in competitive matches?” is Southend United. The sides have met 117 times previously, Southend edging City out 42 wins to 39 with 36 draws. The sides last came up against each other in the 2009/10 season when City just avoided relegation but Southend weren’t so lucky. That season City won 1-0 at The Park (Adam Stansfield with the goal and Barry Corr predictably sent off against his future employers!), and the return at Roots Hall ended goalless during City’s fine run in that ensured League One Football for the following season.

We wrote earlier in the week, about the possibility of Barry Corr playing, read that story here.

If you’re travelling don’t forget to check out the Exeweb ground guide to Roots Hall.

Match Officials.

Ref: IAIN WILLIAMSON 
Assts: Craig Hicks and John O’Brien
Fourth Official : Robert Whitton

Last seen by Exeter City fans reffing the 3-0 defeat at MK Dons last season.