JOSH Walker wants a good FA Cup run to boost Southend United’s confidence this season.

The Shrimpers head to Eastleigh in the fourth qualifying round this weekend.

And Walker is desperate to get back to winning ways after suffering two defeats in succession.

“Everyone is still positive and working really hard but a cup run would certainly help with our confidence, said Walker.

“I’m sure it would help us in the league too but we’ve got to show a reaction.

“We’ve been training hard and I’m confident there will be a good reaction on Saturday.”

Victory would take Blues into the first round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2021.

But Walker is certainly not a stranger to progressing past the early rounds.

“When I was with Barnet with got through to the fifth round,” said the forward.

“We beat Bristol Rovers and Sheffield United which was great.

“We played Bradford too before losing in a replay to Brentford in the fifth round.

“It would be great to try and do something similar with Southend too because when you get to the later rounds the FA Cup still has that buzz.

“I think it’s a great competition.

“It gives non-league teams a chance to play bigger teams so hopefully we can get through and get a big team in the first round.”

For that to happen, the Shrimpers will need to start taking more of their chances in front of goal.

And Walker was frustrated not to hit the back of the net last time out against Maidenhead United.

“I should’ve scored,” said Walker “I got in the right areas and I know I’ll put one away sooner rather than later.

“I’m still not fully fit but I had my first 90 the other day.

“I feel good but I’m still working my way back to full fitness.”

Walker will again be striving to improve his sharpness when Blues take on Eastleigh tomorrow.

But the 26-year-old expects a tough tie against the seventh-placed Spitfires.

“They’re a good side so it’s a difficult game but we came out winners when we played them before,” said Walker.

“Hopefully we can do that again on Saturday to get through.”

And Walker is also keen to reward the Shrimpers supporters who he wants to remain right behind Kevin Maher’s side.

“We know it’s hard supporting a team when they’re losing but their support helps us so stick with us,” he added.