Southend United hitman Mark Rawle aims to cement his place in Blues' first team by shooting down Carlisle at Roots Hall tonight.

The skilful forward produced one of his best performances for the Shrimpers during Saturday's 2-2 Third Division draw at highly fancied Hull City.

And the 23-year-old hopes to step up a gear against the Cumbrians by firing Blues to victory in their first Roots Hall outing of the new season.

"I was really pleased with my performance against Hull," said Rawle.

"But I missed a couple of good chances to get on the scoresheet, which is something I aim to put right against Carlisle.

"All the players are on a high after the way we played at Hull and we are desperate to get a win tonight."

Blues are expected to remain unchanged, which means striker Tes Bramble should again start on the substitutes' bench, despite netting Southend's last gasp equaliser at Hull.

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Published Tuesday August 13, 2002

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