U's boss Aidy Boothroyd is looking for all three points on Monday evening - but knows that the Essex derby against Southend United could be like a cup tie as the two teams go head to head.

Aidy has seen his side pick up 28 points from a possible 33 at home during his tenure, and wants to take that tally over the thirty point mark with a maximum haul against the Shrimpers.

But he is well aware that, despite the two sides being separated by some twenty-one points at present, the south Essex side will still present a tough challenge.

"The first game wasn't so long ago so we've got a bit to remember from the game and I thought we deserved the win.

"There were comments from their camp saying that we went for the draw, but we would never settle for that - we would always go there to win

"Any local derby is feisty, both teams have some good players, so we have to make sure we can keep our minds firmly on the game and ensure we get something out of it by the final whistle.

"League standings will go out of the window a bit, it is like a cup game in some ways.

"Any team can play well and work hard on a one off basis, but it is the consistency that is required to make a difference in the league.

"Despite not playing well at times, we have still managed to get points.

"We have got to make sure that we don't get too carried away or too emotional or excited. Then we can see if we can put on a winning performance and keep our fans happy with another win for local bragging rights."

The game at Roots Hall saw Lee Barnard grab the Southend goal to give the home side hope, but the striker has departed for pastures new with a move to Southampton.

And Aidy admitted he has some sympathy for Steve Tilson as he looks to reshape his side following the loss of his top scorer.

"I know and like Steve, and I came up against him as a youth team coach. He is a nice guy who has done a very good job.

"Any team that loses a guy that is up there at the top of the scoring charts will find that a big blow, but a club like Southend or Colchester has to sell to survive and hopefully reinvest in the team.

"That takes time and that's where I think that all football fans don't quite have the patience, when it comes to club having to sell players.

"It has happened to me before - you lose the player, but the expectation level still remains very high.

"I think that Steve has got more than enough about him to build another winning team for promotion."