Echo News 'No-one will want to play us' - Bridge previews Blues' play-off push

[Evening Echo]

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[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

High hopes - Jack Bridge feels Southend United have momentum going into the play-offs (Image: FOCUS IMAGES)

By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.

JACK Bridge believes Southend United’s momentum means no one will relish playing them in the play-offs.

The Shrimpers head to Rochdale on Thursday night for a play-off eliminator after clinching seventh place on the final day of the season.

And Bridge is confident Kevin Maher’s side can continue their good run of results.

“We’re looking forward to it and we’re going into it in a good run of form so we’re excited, said Bridge.

“We’ve said the last couple of years if we made it we fancied our chances and that hasn’t changed.

“Last year we obviously had the points deduction which cost us but if we were in we’d have backed ourselves because we always seem to get into good form towards the end of the season.

“We’ve done it again this year and I don’t think any team would want to play us now.

“It gives us that confidence and belief to go there knowing we can do something.”

Blues will also be roared on by another large away following with more than 1,000 fans having already bought tickets for the game.

And Bridge knows the supporters will be keen to play a part again.

“The support we get is mad and it’s been like it all season,” said Bridge.

“It really showed at Gateshead with how many we had there.

“Everyone was back at work the next day but they still all found different ways to get there.

“They do it no matter where we are or whatever night it is.

“You can’t fault them and we know they’re going to bring the atmosphere for us.”

Bridge will be aiming to give the supporters plenty to cheer and has welcomed a 10 day break ahead of the play-off tie.

“It’s a strange one but there was quite a wait for the Gateshead game too,” said Bridge.

“The schedule has been a bit different but it’s nice to have a break.

“We can rest up after a long season and it gives you a bit of time to prepare for it which is nice as well.”

 

[Strykr]

I insist he believes...

 

[ColinMorrisWalksOnWater]

And I believe he insists......

 

[dusterman]

I feel they’ve been bullied out of using ‘insists’. Perhaps ‘stresses’, ‘asserts’ or even ‘harps on’ could be leveraged instead.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I feel they’ve been bullied out of using ‘insists’. Perhaps ‘stresses’, ‘asserts’ or even ‘harps on’ could be leveraged instead.

It’s probably dictated by what keys are still working on Chris Phillips’ laptop.