Blues boss Steve Tilson takes his side to promotion chasing Birmingham tonight, with real fears over the state of the St Andrew's pitch.

City were forced to lay a new £120,000 surface, which was the spare one for the new Wembley Stadium, just a few weeks ago but it has already been damaged by the severe wet weather.

That led to their match with Leeds at the start of the month being postponed and, having seen the pitch on television, Tilson feels it is still not much better.

"I saw Birmingham's cup game on TV at the weekend and it looked terrible," said the Wickford born chief.

"The ball just didn't bounce and if we get some rain before now and kick off I don't know what will happen.

"I saw their manager Steve Bruce came out and said it was dreadful as well and while it's the same for both teams it could definitely make things interesting out there."

The postponement of the Leeds game could land Birmingham with a Football League charge of failing to fulfil a fixture and a disciplinary commission could hand out a fine or even impose a points deduction.

But it is not just the pitch which concerns Tilson as his Shrimpers team will also be up against an in-form outfit who have won five of their last seven league games and recently thrashed Newcastle 5-1 at St James' Park in the FA Cup.

"They're a very strong side with a good squad and players," said Tilson.