Shrimpers look a tasty bet

Southend United can take a step towards reaching the League One play-off final by making the most of home advantage against Doncaster Rovers in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Friday night.

The two teams fought out a cracker at Roots Hall in the league back in September, Southend fighting back to win 3-2 after trailing at half-time.

Plenty of water has flowed under Southend Pier since then, but the pair have stayed loyal to their attacking instincts and it will be a surprise if there is not plenty of goalmouth action. Most firms offer 11-10 against three goals or more and that looks fair.

Southend picked up only a point from their last two league fixtures, but they were already assured a play-off place by then and are better judged on the 13-match unbeaten sequence that they had strung together before then.

Steve Tilson’s men have looked more potent since capturing James Walker (from Charlton), Charlie Magrew (Wolves) and Hal Robson-Kanu (Reading) on-loan.

Doncaster won only three of their final nine fixtures and their away form - they picked up only two points from their last five fixtures - is also a worry.

Southend look the bet at a general 5-4. Doncaster are chalked up at 2-1, with the draw 9-4.