SOUTHEND United defender Harry Taylor says the Shrimpers face a free-hit against Charlton Athletic this weekend.

Blues host the League One Addicks at Roots Hall in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

And Taylor is keen to help secure an upset against Nathan Jones' side.

"I think it's kind of a free hit for us," said Taylor.

"They're obviously doing quite well and have spent a bit of money but we'll try to do what we normally do and play our game.

"We'll look to limit their chances because it's four clean sheets in a row now for us.

"Hopefully we can keep that momentum going into this game and get a result."

The first of those shut-outs came in the previous round at Eastleigh.

And Taylor is now looking forward to facing Charlton who sit 12th in League One.

"It's very exciting," said the defender.

"Hopefully it's a full house which I'm sure it will be and the fans will be right behind us.

"It's a big occasion for us playing a team who are doing quite well in League One."

Blues will head into the game unbeaten in their last four matches.

And Taylor is confident Kevin Maher's side are starting to get back to their best.

"We're getting back to more like what we were last season with how we're structured in games on and off the ball," said Taylor.

"We've lost some quite key players this year so it's taken us a bit longer to mingle a bit more but it feels like we have good momentum at the moment from front to back.

"We're creating some good chances and defensively we're limiting teams chances."

Taylor will now focus on making sure that continues and would love to progress to the third round of the FA Cup.

"Man United is the team I support so playing them away would be a dream come true," added Taylor.