Southend United boss Rob Newman has ordered his players to stop the rot at bitter local rivals Leyton Orient tonight.

The Shrimpers make the short trip to Brisbane Road on the back of three straight defeats.

But Newman said his 11th place team were more than capable of turning things around by picking up a fourth Third Division away win of the season against the east Londoners.

Injury worry - Tes Bramble could miss out in tonight's derby clash

"All the players are upbeat and confident of getting a positive result this evening," Newman revealed.

"The lads have been back in training since Sunday morning and are desperate to go out and stop the rot of three successive defeats."

Blues' only injury doubt is striker Tes Bramble, who is still having trouble with a combination of hamstring and back problems.

The four-goal marksman was hauled off against Hartlepool last Friday at half-time and will take a late fitness test before kick-off tonight.

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Published Tuesday October 29, 2002

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