SOUTHEND United will again be without full-backs Nathan Ralph and Jason Demetriou for Saturday’s FA Cup first round tie at Chesterfield.

Ralph has missed Blues’ last three games with a broken toe while Demetriou has been absent for the last four outings due to a groin injury.

And Blues head coach Kevin Maher will again be without the defensive duo this weekend.

“Nathan’s still a bit off,” said Maher.

“Hopefully he will be out on the grass again next week maybe but he’s still a little way off.

“Jason Demetriou is still out too.”

Centre-back Josh Coulson (ankle), left-back Tom Clifford (ankle) and striker Simeon Akinola (knee) are all still absent while Abu Ogogo serves the second of a two match ban following his red card against Boreham Wood.

Loan duo Zak Brunt and Cacper Lopata have been given permission to play their parent club Sheffield United while Harry Phillips faces a late check on a dead leg he suffered against Dover Athletic.