Blues boss Steve Tilson is urging his side not to be scared of taking on West Ham United at Upton Park tonight.

The Shrimpers have made a stuttering start to life in League Two but Tilson is urging Southend to give their all against their London rivals in the Carling Cup this evening.

"I want a positive performance from the lads," he said. "There isn't any pressure on us and, in many ways, it's a free match because no one is expecting us to do anything there. I just hope we play at our best and I certainly don't want us to be scared of playing West Ham."

But the former Southend midfielder is expecting a tough test against Alan Pardew's outfit, who won 3-2 at Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

"It's the hardest draw we could've got as West Ham are the best team in their division and they are a massive club with a lot of history," said Tilson.

"At the same time though it's a great game for us. I'm sure we're going to take thousands of fans as it's only just up the road and I hope they really get behind us."

Published Tuesday August 24, 2004

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