SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is expecting a stern test against Sutton United tomorrow - despite their indifferent form.

Sutton arrive at Roots Hall for their first ever match against the Shrimpers having been beaten in their last three games.

But Maher believes Steve Morison’s side will be tough to beat.

“They’re a good side,” said Maher.

“I watched them against Forest Green and there was nothing in it.

“You’re going to lose games in this league and I’m sure they will want a reaction.

“I’m under no doubts that they will be really, really tough opponents.

“They will give us a good game and we’ll have to perform.”

The Shrimpers certainly did when beating Eastleigh on Tuesday night.

But Maher, whose side are 13th in the table, is keen to keep on looking forward.

“Results do build confidence but once we’ve got one it’s put to bed and we look forward to the next game,” said Maher.

“You’ve got to be prepared for what’s to come.

“Saturday it’s a team who have had a couple of results which haven’t been great for them but they’ll be smarting from that and will be wanting a reaction.

“We’ve been in this league long enough to know how tough it is every week.

“You’ve got to attack every game and we will.”

Blues will again be without strikers Danny Waldron (knee), Josh Walker (hamstring) and midfielders Oli Coker (ankle) and Cav Miley (back) Defender Ollie Kensdale seems unlikely to play for the club again after a breach of club discipline.

But Maher wants those who are available to maintain high levels of performance.

“We have to keep the standards high around the place,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“We have to keep pushing because we all want success.

“As a collective the consortium coming in, myself, the staff and of course the fans all want success.

“We know what we’ve got to do to get there but it won’t happen overnight.

“We’ve got to build and there will be bumps in the road but it’s part of the journey and we’re all in it together so lets go and enjoy it.

“Hopefully at the end of it there will be success.”

>Follow all the updates from Saturday’s game online at echo-news.co.uk/sport