By Jon Colman

Last updated 10:57, Saturday, 06 September 2008

Southend chief Steve Tilson fears a hiding at Brunton Park today unless the Shrimpers can end their recent defensive woes.

Dougie Freedman

Tilson’s side have shipped nine goals in their last two games – not the ideal form to be carrying up to Cumbria given Carlisle’s free-scoring home record.

The Blues have smashed eight in their two home fixtures so far and Tilson knows John Ward’s men will be hungry for goals again today.

“I saw Carlisle play at QPR in the Carling Cup and although they lost 4-0 that night I think they are a very good side,” said Tilson, whose team lost 5-2 at Walsall last weekend then 4-2 at Leyton Orient in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

“I expect them to be up there again this season and if we did defend like we did at Walsall then we’re going to lose by more than 5-2 because in my view Carlisle are a much stronger team.”

Ward, meanwhile, has pledged the Blues won’t take their foot off the pedal after completing an unbeaten first month of the league campaign.

The Blues are level on points at the top of League One after four games but the manager said there will be no room for complacency at Brunton Park.

“A good start is no good if we don’t enhance it, and push on,” said Ward, who should name an unchanged side.

“We won’t pat ourselves on the back. We will enjoy winning games but we have to push it on through September now.

“If we want to be in the top six this season, we have got to beat teams like Southend because that is where they are going to be. And i’m sure they will be looking at us in the same way.”

Ward said last season’s controversial 2-1 defeat to the Shrimpers, when a red card for David Raven dented the Blues’ promotion bid, holds no significance when the teams go into battle today.

But he admits he is wary of the threat posed by Tilson’s new signing Dougie Freedman, the veteran striker who masterminded Carlisle’s play-off downfall at the hands of Leeds last term.

“Freedman is a top player,” said Ward. “We saw that with Leeds United and I’ve got no doubt he will start today.

“You only have to give him a little bit of room and he can punish you. He has got that quality and we’ve got to deal with it.”

Tilson could be without three key midfielders today – Alan McCormack (knee) and Franck Moussa (banned) are definitely out while Chelsea loanee Lee Sawyer is doubtful with a groin problem. But Anthony Grant is expected to be passed fit after a back injury.

Other Shrimpers dangermen include former Wycombe and Bristol City winger Kevin Betsy and Reading loanee Hal Robson-Kanu, while evergreen striker Paul Furlong, 39, should be on the bench.

• Tickets for United's home clash with Leeds on September 20 go on general sale at Brunton Park immediately after today's match.