SOUTHEND United skipper Chris Barker is confident his side can continue their run of good results at Fleetwood Town tomorrow – if they hit top form.

Blues have now gone nine games without defeat.

And Barker is certain that can become double figures if Southend are at their best.

“If we go to Fleetwood and play like we have been then I'm positive we will get something from the game,” said Barker.

“It's a hard game though, because Fleetwood are up in the play-off places and their manager has been sacked as well so that normally gives a team an extra edge.

“But we've done very well away from home throughout the past 18 months and, if we repeat our first half performance from the Brentford game, then I think we will be OK.

“However, we will need to be at our best and this is an important spell for us as we play Bradford, another team in the play-offs, next week, and we want to pick up points against both of them.”

Yet Blues will be forced in to changing their starting line-up on what will be their first ever visit to Fleetwoow as midfielder Michael Timlin misses out with a one match suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season during the 2-1 win against Brentford on Tuesday.

He looks set to be replaced by Marc Laird, who was cup-tied for the clash against the Bees, while David Martin or Anthony Straker will occupy the final midfield position.

Further forward, the in form Gavin Tomlin will have a late fitness test on a back problem but should he be available he looks set to replace Barry Corr in attack.

Centre-back Mark Phillips also faces a late check on a knee problem with Luke Prosser set to continue at the heart of the back four if he fails to recover.

Midfielder John Spicer is also doubtful with a virus.

Southend United(from): Smith, Clohessy, Cresswell, Phillips, Prosser, Mkandawire, Hurst, Laird, Martin, Tomlin, Assombalonga, Corr, Eastwood, Benyon, Straker, Prosser, Bentley, Leonard, Spicer & Woodyard