Southend United boss Rob Newman wants his team to continue their Third Division progress against Oxford at Roots Hall tonight.

Blues have won their last two games, keeping clean sheets in both matches, and the Shrimpers chief urged his players to make it a hat-trick of victories against their high-flying visitors.

New face - first team coach Stewart Robson took his first training session with the Blues yesterday Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

"I've been pleased with our progress during the last two games and we need to continue in the same vain against Oxford this evening," said Newman.

"Our last two wins have been a tremendous boost to the whole squad and we can go into tonight's match with renewed confidence.

"But it's going to be far from easy to seal a third successive win as Oxford are one of the best sides in this division at the moment.

"Oxford are very well organised and hard to break down. They are also resilient and have the best defensive record in the league, conceding just 22 goals in 25 games, which speaks for itself.

"But we have looked solid at the back ourselves recently and can definitely get something out of this game if we put away our chances and stand up strong."

Newman was joined on the training ground by new first team coach Stewart Robson for the first time yesterday and the former Arsenal and West Ham star will take his place in the dug-out tonight.

Defender Phil Whelan (knee) and striker Graeme Jones (calf) are unlikely to feature and right-back Mark Beard (calf) is rated only 50-50.

Barrington Belgrave could replace Mark Rawle up front this evening. And Brighton winger Danny Marney has extended his loan for another month.

Published Tuesday, January 21, 2003

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