SOUTHEND United will be looking to topple a top 10 team for the first time this season when high-flying Cambridge United visit Roots Hall tonight.

The U’s are currently third in the standings, just a point behind table-topping Carlisle United.

But Blues boss Mark Molesley is keen for his side to embrace the challenge as they bid to continue their own run of good results.

“Cambridge are competing for that top spot so we’ll certainly have our work cut out against them but we’re looking forward to the game and will embrace this challenge,” said Molesley.

“Cambridge have started ever so well.

“They’re doing a really good job down there and they’ve got some really good players.

“But at the same time our own group is on an upward spiral and we’re growing all the time.

“I think it will come down to who is physically best prepared for another tough battle.”

Blues remain bottom of the table despite losing just one of their last eight games and drew 0-0 at Grimsby Town on Saturday.

The Shrimpers have now kept five clean sheets in their last eight games but their defence will face a stern test this evening.

“They’ve got the top scorer in the League in Paul Mullin and Wes Hoolahan needs no introduction either,” said Molesley.

“We all know the quality he has because we’ve seen it on Match of the Day but we feel like we’ve got threats that can hurt them too.”