SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock would love his side to equal a club record when they host Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup at Roots Hall tomorrow.

But he does not want it to put his players under any extra pressure.

For just the second time in Blues’ 105 year existence, they have the chance to go 17 matches unbeaten if they can avoid defeat against the Latics this weekend.

And Sturrock is keen for that to happen.

“I would love for us to win the game and make it 17 games without being beaten but I don’t want the club record to get in to the minds of the players or for it to affect them in any way,” said Sturrock.

“I don’t want them to feel like they’re under extra pressure and all they should be thinking about is Oldham and trying to win the game.

“If that happens then we equal the record and it would obviously be nice if we could go on and beat it.

“But we have to approach this game the way we have the others and not lose focus along the way either.”

Only once before, have Blues ever gone 17 matches without being beaten and that was in 2005 when Steve Tilson led his team from January until the start of April unbeaten.

Their run was eventually ended by League One opposition in a cup competition when Wrexham beat them in the LDV Vans Trophy.

However, Sturrock is now out to avoid being beaten by a team from a higher level.

“Oldham are a big strong team and we’re in for a difficult game tomorrow,” said the Blues boss.

“They’re on a good run and are very well organised so we will need to be on form if we are to cause another upset.”

Southend beat League One Preston North End in the first round to set up the tie against the Latics.

And striker Neil Harris would love to grab another shock win and a place in the club’s record books.

“To go 17 matches unbeaten and equal the record would be brilliant,” said Harris.

“Records are always there to be broken and it would be fantastic if we could do that.

“But we will just be thinking about beating Oldham because that goes hand in hand with the record.

“We know we’re in for a very tough game but it’s one we’re very much looking forward to.”