SOUTHEND United midfielder Oli Coker is keen to sample his own FA Cup magic this weekend.

Coker remains a keen fan of the competition having watched it during his youth.

And he now wants to experience the buzz the cup can bring himself by helping Blues beat League One side Charlton Athletic at Roots Hall on Saturday.

“The FA Cup really does mean a lot,” said Coker.

“I have a lot of memories watching the FA Cup as a younger lad.

“It’s a prestigious cup so hopefully we can have a good run and show what we are about.

“I’m really buzzing for Saturday and it’s most probably going to be a sell out so Roots Hall will be buzzing too.

“There will be a great atmosphere so I’m looking forward to it.”

The Shrimpers, who sit 14th in the National League, will be underdogs for the first round tie against League One opposition.

But Coker cannot wait to face Nathan Jones’ team.

“It’s very exciting,” said Coker.

“It’s going to be a tough game but we are ready for the test.

“They will be a well drilled side doing well in League One so we have to be ready and on it from the start.”

Blues head into the game unbeaten in their last four outings.

And Coker felt Saturday’s 2-0 win against Tamworth again showed the progress being made by the Shrimpers.

“It was another step in the right direction,” said Coker.

“I felt like we were pretty dominant with the ball in the first half and dealt with the pressure in the second half to see the game out well.

“We could have also had a few more goals but overall it was a positive performance and hopefully we can take it into Saturday now.”

Coker will also be looking to build on his performance against Tamworth.

And the 21-year-old was delighted to work his way back onto the score-sheet for the first time since returning from an ankle injury.

“I’m very pleased,” said Coker.

“It was a good move with I think 31 passes in the end.

“We ended up picking them off and scoring which was great.

 “It wasn’t the cleanest strike of mine but I will definitely take it.

“I’m very pleased to get among the goals and hopefully a few more can start going in for me.”

But, despite the recent upturn, Coker is not getting carried away.

“I wouldn’t say we’ve turned a corner, we just had a bit of tough period,” said the midfielder.

“We haven’t changed much but we have stuck to our principles and we have a few wins to show for it.

“We have to keep this up now, keep working hard and the results will follow I’m sure.”