Southend United midfielder Kevin Maher aims to play a key role in toppling Third Division leaders Chesterfield when they visit Roots Hall.

Away day specialists Chesterfield travel to the Essex coast tomorrow (Saturday) having gone the whole league season unbeaten away from home.

The in- form Spireites have picked up five draws and five wins on the road and come to Roots Hall on the back of an impressive 16 match unbeaten league run.

However, Maher believes Blues can hand Chesterfield their first away defeat of the season and get their own promotion push back on track.

"It will be very tough against Chesterfield, but if we play to our full potential we can beat them," said the 24-year-old. "We've been doing well in the cups recently, having picked up wins in both the LDV Trophy and FA Cup, but our main aim is promotion.

"We need to start playing better in the league and getting a few wins under our belts. We've lost our last three games in the league and we need to end that run against Chesterfield by getting all three points and pushing ourselves back up the table."

Maher has played a major part in Blues' cup successes with some sterling displays in the centre of the park. And the former Spurs trainee is hoping to put in another good performance to help gun down Chesterfield.

"I've been happy with my form and I hope it continues," added Maher. "The only thing I'm not pleased about is the number of bookings I've been picking up. "I've had seven yellow cards and one sending off this season, but I'm not a dirty player. Hopefully I can stay out of the referee's notebook tomorrow."

And Blues boss David Webb also admitted Chesterfield would give his side a stern test. "Chesterfield have been top of the league for most of the season and they are there on merit," said the Shrimpers chief. "They are a big, strong side and I'm sure we will be in for our toughest match of the season tomorrow.

"But we don't need to fear anybody because on our day we can beat any team in the Third Division. And beating Chesterfield would be a nice scalp to take as we look to return to winning ways in the league after our recent cup triumphs."

Ninth placed Blues have a clean bill of health for the visit of Chesterfield and Webb is expected to name the same side which beat Canvey Island 2-1 in the FA Cup last Sunday.

Southend (from): Flahavan, Booty, Searle, Roget, Whelan, Maher, Williamson, Forbes, Lee, Carruthers, Abbey, Newman, Webb, Johnson, McSweeney, Porter.

Webb is also hoping to finalise a £5,000 deal for Cambridge City defender Shane Wardley today (Friday).

Key role - Kevin Maher will be hoping to boss the midfield when league leaders Chesterfield visit Roots Hall tomorrow.

Picture: NICK ANSELL

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.