After the euphoria and hype of the FA Cup last weekend against Spurs, we return to rather more mundane matters, that of League One survival.

Now forget about all the talk of kick starting the season and derby games. We require another 29 points from 18 matches, simple as. Nine victories are required, stating with the Old enemy at Roots Hall on Saturday.

The talking in fact has to stop and actions will dictate either our survival or unthinkable ignominious relegation to the oblivion of League Two.

At least the man who never scored for us and then struck a body blow for that other Essex team on Boxing Day is side-lined on Saturday. This will be a big blow for the even more orange than normal Phil Brown or Last Tango in Westcliffe as he is becoming known!

Now KK was excellent last weekend, first with Fletch and Sav and the BT Team and then in his post-match comments where he spoke with authority and gravitas.

He knows that the valuable income garnered from the FA Cup run will not be wasted by RC; but he has promised KK some largesse for players (probably loanees).

The sickening accidental clash of heads between Alex Wynter and Tom Eastman will sadly result in both being side-lined; Wynter for two weeks and Eastman for at least one.
There are suitable deputies; Frankie “Moore” Kent and George “the Beast” Elokobi are standing by together with Kane Vincent-Young and Matt Briggs.

It is a shame however because Wynter and Eastman were forming an impressive partnership at the heart of the defence.

Gavin Massey was simply superb last week, Alex Gilbey was guilty of being distracted by talk of Premier League football and ridiculous bids from BCFC for his services while GM was excellent and a thorn in Spurs side all afternoon.

Marvin Sordell has also succumbed to a foot injury which will keep him out for three weeks. Lee and Bonne must be considered to partner Porter.

With the need for three points never greater than now, KK must set out with his familiar 4,4,2 formation at Roots Hall.

Kean

Brindley Kent Briggs Vincent-Young

Gilbey Moncur Garvan Massey

Porter Bonne

Subs:
Olufemi Parish Edwards Ambrose Lee Wright Shorey

This game is no bigger than the other 17 that will remain after Saturday; it would however be most satisfying to return with three valuable points in our quest for League One survival.

All ticket for the match with our Essex fiends, safe travelling for the faithful whether by car, coach or train and bus.

We want Brown to be well and truly browned off after Saturday. The 221 pint man!

Up the U’s

Photo: Action Images

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