SAM Cook will make his first Southend start when they travel to Blaydon tomorrow looking to make a late surge up the National League Two standings.

The 18-year-old will replace the unavailable Daniel Legge in the second row.

And coach Kevin Harman believes the youngster deserves his opportunity in the side.

"Sam has done well coming on in our last few games and he's earned this chance," he said.

"Daniel is away playing for Sweden and I have no hesitation about putting Sam in.

"It's a tough game and one we must start strongly if we are to get the result we want and keep alive our hopes of improving our league position before the end of the season."

Southend are currently eighth in the table but are only four points behind five placed Cambridge.

They are away to high-flying Manchester this weekend and Harman is sure a win for his side will move them up the table.

"The table will look very good on Sunday if we win, but we can't take anything for granted," warned the coach.

"We beat Blaydon at home earlier on in the season but they are very strong at home.

"They have a physical pack which we will need to deal with and again we have to show the right attitude."

Blaydon are one place below the Seasiders in the table and Southend have made one other enforced change to the team with Mark BIllings coming in at centre in place of the ill Mike Stanley.

Tomorrow's fixtures: Blaydon v Southend, Halifax v Waterloo, Henley v Redruth, Manchester v Cambridge, Nuneaton v Stourbridge, Otley v Blackheath, Westcombe Park v Wharfedale.