RYAN Leonard is desperate to help Southend United finally secure their first ever victory against Morecambe at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The Shrimpers have suffered five defeats and one draw in the six previous meetings between the two teams.

And Leonard is keen to put that right this weekend.

“Since I’ve been here we haven’t ever beaten Morecambe so it would be nice to finally get one over them on Saturday,” said Leonard, 21.

“It will be another difficult game because I think they have a good team this season and I think it will be very close as well.

“All the games we’ve had against them always are and they beat us twice 1-0 last season.

“I’m expecting tomorrow to be another tight one with not many goals but hopefully we can edge it this time.”

Blues will also be looking to get back to winning against the Shrimps after suffering two successive 2-1 defeats on their travels.

Phil Brown’s team were beaten at Chesterfield before also losing at Wycombe Wanderers last weekend.

But , despite the score-line, Leonard was particularly impressive against the Chairboys – creating Freddy Eadtwood’s first half equaliser.

And the former Plymouth Argyle trainee is now looking to start contributing more in the final third of the pitch.

“Last year I was disappointed not to get more assists and more goals because you need to be doing that when you’re playing midfield,” said Leonard.

“I was pleased to make Freddy’s goal last week and hopefully I can carry that on now.

“I personally pleased with how I played at Wycombe and I think it was one of the best games I’ve had so far this season.

“It doesn’t count for much when you lose but I’ve got a level of confidence that maybe I’ve not had before and now I need to stay fit and keep playing well.

“Competition for places in midfield is very fierce and I need to get also get some consistency in to my game because that’s something young players can sometimes struggle with.”

Blues go in to the game sitting seventh in the League Two table while Morecambe arrive in 13th position with seven points from their opening five games.