SOUTHEND United winger Michael Kightly is hoping to force his way into first team contention with another fine showing for the Shrimpers reserves against Thurrock at Roots Hall tonight.

Blues second string face the Conference South side in the semi finals of the Essex Senior Cup and Kightly, who enjoyed a recent loan spell with Farnborough, is determined to impress.

"I did OK in the reserves the other night at Aldershot so hopefully it will go well this evening too but we can get a much better result," said the 19-year-old.

"Thurrock are a good team so we know it will be tough - they beat us in this competition last season - and we are expecting another difficult match."

Kightly was an unused subsitute for the Seasiders clash with Bury on Saturday and is desperate to start making Steve Tilson's matchday 16 on a more regular basis.

"It's been frustrating not being involved as much as I was last year but we have a really strong squad here now," he said.

"But if I can keep playing well in these types of games then hopefully I will get a chance in the first team and I can take it."