MANY believe the FA Cup has lost its magic in recent seasons.

But try telling that to Southend United’s fans right now.

Blues’ followers are currently dreaming of the chance to travel to Premier League giants Liverpool in early January.

And that has the makings of a magnificent occasion for everyone connected with the club.

However, it must be remembered there is plenty of hard work to be done before a trip to Anfield can become a reality as Southend face a very difficult replay at Oldham Athletic next Tuesday.

The two teams drew 1-1 at Roots Hall at the weekend and Blues will be definite underdogs when they again go head to head with their League One opponents.

But Southend will be desperate to come out on top. They could well have done that on Saturday if they had taken the late chances which came their way.

Yet Oldham will also be thinking the same as they too wasted some clear cut opportunities in front of goal.

A draw was, therefore, probably a fair result but Blues could definitely have done without a replay and another game added to their already hectic schedule.

They play four times in the next 11 days and that could really stretch what is not the biggest of squads at Roots Hall.

That is what comes with being a successful side though and, right now, this is shaping up to be quite some season for Southend.

For as well as maybe facing Liverpool, the team currently top the League Two table and have now equalled a club record after going 17 matches without a defeat.

On top of that, Blues have progressed to the Southern Area semi-final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy where they will play Swindon Town tomorrow night.

However, despite the possibility of playing at Wembley and Anfield, promotion is what matters most.

And the players cannot afford to become distracted.