In-form Southend United look to continue rise up the National League table as they take on struggling Barnet

Kevin Maher’s Southend United are riding the wave of a six-game unbeaten run in the league and will hope to extend it to seven against a Barnet side who are winless from their last five matches.

Last time out, Southend faced the trip to a Dover Athletic side who were buoyed by their first win of the season and were certainly made to work for the three points. It took a second-half strike from Afghanistan international Noor Husin to overcome a plucky opponent.

Meanwhile, Barnet will arrive in Essex with their tails firmly tucked between their legs following a 5-0 humbling at home to high-flying Stockport County. Dean Brennan will have been furious to have seen his side concede three goals from set-pieces and a further goal from a simple cross in the box.

As such, Southend will surely look to capitalise on a brittle-looking Bees defence, who have conceded nine goals in their previous two games.

Just two points separate these sides, and whilst there is a comfortable cushion between them and the relegation zone, a win for either side would go some way to near on guaranteeing their National League status for next season.

For Southend, the goal will surely be to finish as strong as possible and build to a more positive season next year. With an expectant fan base, off-field issues do not alter the tunnel vision of a return to the Football League as soon as possible.

Unfortunately for Barnet, they have experienced their own financial difficulties and if it was not for COVID-19 resulting in no relegations from the National League, the Bees could have very well been playing National League South football by now.

Due to postponements this season, this game will be the first time the two sides have met this season, and in fact, the first time they have met since 2013.

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