Gillingham are set to travel to Southend backed by 2,000 fans.

Both teams are hoping to win a promotion place in League 1 this season, with the Gills sitting fourth – three points off second – and Southend pushing for a play-off spot.

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh is a former Southend player and looking forward to going back, in a match that could be a sell-out.

He said: “It is a club that played a huge part in my football career. They gave me the opportunity to make my mark and the platform to go on and achieve what I did. I am grateful.

“I still live in the Essex area. I will still know a few old faces and my friends and family will be there, I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get the right result.

“Southend are a team that had a stand-out result against Barnsley last weekend and they still have hopes of making the play-offs.

“There are 10 cup finals to go for us and the first one is the game against Southend. Hopefully, we can carry on the momentum from last weekend.

“We always travel well, wherever we go and I have always been complimentary of the fans since I have been here. It will probably be the highest numbers since I have been here that we have taken away.

“It is rewarding for the players, to know they have got that backing and I am sure it will be a great atmosphere. Hopefully, it will be a great game and we can get the right outcome.”