CHRISTMAS could be cancelled for Charlton Athletic striker Paul Benson if he scores against Southend United in tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash at Roots Hall.

The former White Ensign forward has bagged six goals in 12 games since signing for the Addicks in late August.

But he will face the wrath of his father Charlie if he hits the back of the net again this evening.

“My dad is a massive Southend fan and will be cheering for them tonight not me,” said Benson.

“His argument is that he supported them before I was even born so he won’t be changing now.

“He won’t be happy if I score either. I did score a couple against Southend in a pre-season friendly for Dagenham once and he didn’t talk to me for a little while after.

“If I score tonight then I’m expecting more of the same and I probably won’t be getting any Christmas presents off him either.

“It’s all good fun though and I fully understand where he’s coming from.”

Benson also grew up supporting Blues and had a season ticket at Roots Hall between the ages of eight and 14.

He then started to take his own playing career more seriously and eventually worked his way in to the Football League with Dagenham and Redbridge.

The 31-year-old scored 70 goals in 156 league starts for Daggers and that saw Charlton snap him up before the closure of the transfer window.

He has continued to impress for the Addicks and would love to score again tonight.

“I have never scored a competitive goal at Roots Hall and that was always a dream of mine as Southend are my home-town club,” said Benson.

“I’ve done it in a reserve game when I was on trial at Southend but it would be better to do it in a match which really mattered, even if my dad won’t be happy.”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO