Southend United boss Rob Newman, who is still trying to tie up a deal for a loan striker, said he is keeping his fingers crossed that hitman Mark Rawle will make a timely return at Lincoln.

With fellow frontmen Tes Bramble and Tony Richards still on the injury list, Barrington Belgrave is the Seasiders' only recognised fit forward, leaving Southend desperate for seven-goal marksman Rawle to rejoin the attack tomorrow.

"Mark's groin is a lot better and we are hoping he will be part of the squad which travels to Lincoln," he said.

"We are down to the bare bones for forwards at the moment and it would be a huge bonus to have Mark back in the fold. Although, both Tes and Tony are showing good signs and could be back next week.

"But whatever team takes the field tomorrow will need to put in a much improved performance at Lincoln.

"Sincil Bank's not been the happiest of hunting grounds for us in recent years and we will need to be mentally stronger if we want to pick up a win there.

"We got punished for letting in two sloppy first-half goals at Orient on Tuesday night and we can't afford to do the same tomorrow. The second-half display was much better at Brisbane Road and if we start off in the same vein we should be able to gain a positive result."

Newman also hinted tat team changes, possibly dropping contract rebels, Darryl Flahavan, Leon Cort and Kevin Maher.

"We've got seven games left and now is the time to change things and look at certain people ahead of next season," he added. "But you can only experiment to a certain extent and we will be going to Lincoln for the win."

Southend are 12th in Division Three, five points ahead of 20th placed Lincoln, and will be searching for their first away victory for more than three months.

Right-winger Steven Clark could return to Blues' starting line-up and midfielder Leon Johnson could be added to the 16 on duty. Skipper Phil Whelan (bruised arm) should also play.

Blues boss Rob Newman has been offered Cheltenham Town's striker/midfielder Hugh McAuley on trial -- but with no reserve game he will not appear this week. Newman also confirmed he had met Damon Searle for advanced contract talks as the left-back mulls over Blues' offer.

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Published Friday, March 15, 2002