SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is certain Saturday’s clash at Barnet has all the makings of a good game.

Both Bees and Blues are among the bookmakers’ favourites for the National League title this season.

And Maher cannot wait for the Shrimpers to test themselves against Dean Brennan’s side in front of another strong following of away supporters.

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“Every year we go there we double the crowd I think because of the numbers we take away with us” said Maher.

“We’ll have so many there and it’s always a good trip for us.

“It’s quite local and it’s up against a team who will be right up there come the end of the season.

“We’re looking forward to it and this has got all the makings of a good game with the way they play too.”

Barnet, who were beaten in the play-offs last season, made 13 signings this summer to strengthen their squad.

And Maher is full of praise for the job ex Billericay Town boss Brennan is doing with the Bees.

“They’ve recruited ever so well and Dean has done a brilliant job as manager there,” said the 47-year-old.

“They got in the play-offs last year and look like they’ve improved again.

“All credit to them, they’re on the right path as well and I’m sure both teams will be going into it with good confidence.”

Barnet have won their last two games after being beaten at Halifax Town on the opening day of the season.

And Blues will also go into tomorrow’s game on a high after beating Boston United 2-0 on Tuesday night.

“It was pleasing to get the win and when you get the first win of the season I think it settles everyone down a little bit,” said Maher.

“We could maybe picked up more points before Tuesday but we’ve had a couple of clean sheets which is important and overall was the performance right throughout the team was good.”

The Shrimpers will now be looking to build on the win.

But Maher is still unsure if striker Josh Walker will be fit enough to feature against his former team after missing the Boston match with a hamstring issue.

“We’re monitoring that,” said Maher.

“He overstretched it towards the end of training on Monday but we’ll train again today and see where he is with that.

“It might be a late decision.”

And Maher confirmed he is still on the look-out for a new striker.

“We’re looking but it has to be within what we can do as well,” said Maher.

“We’re continuing to look and we’re getting a number of names being thrown our way.

“We’re trying as hard as we can to make sure we get the right one.”

Blues are believed to have held talks with a striker currently on the books of a National League club and one who played in League One last season.