Southend United striker Wayne Gray is aiming to start his Shrimpers career in style tomorrow afternoon as Cheltenham Town visit Roots Hall for the opening game of the new League Two campaign.

The 23-year-old, who signed from Wimbledon during the summer, netted five times for the Seasiders during pre-season and is hoping to continue his recent goalscoring exploits this weekend in his league debut for the Blues.

"I'm looking forward to getting out there and getting the games under way," said the London-born hit man.

"Things have gone well for me during pre-season - getting five goals - and hopefully I can carry that form into the league games now.

"I don't really know too much about Cheltenham or any of the teams at this level really because it's a couple of years since I went on loan to Leyton Orient.

"But I'm confident about our chances and, although I can't be sure of how things are going to work out, I think we're going to do well."

Blues beat the Robins on the opening day of last season with Mark Gower bagging a brace in a convincing 2-0 triumph.

Published Friday August 6, 2004