TONIGHT’S Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Leyton Orient signals a break from League One for Southend United.

But there are still two reasons why manager Steve Tilson is desperate for a victory.

The Blues boss is demanding a reaction from the dismal 5-2 defeat at Walsall on Saturday.

And he also wants another lengthy run in the competition having twice reached the final in recent seasons.

“We know what can happen in this cup and we want to go on and do well in it again,” said Tilson, who took his team to the Millennium Stadium in both 2003 and 2004 when the competition was then called the LDV Vans Trophy.

“We’ve had some great games and days out in over the years and it would be nice to do it again.

“We want to get as far as we can and after what happened on Saturday at Walsall I want to see a much better performance.

“It’s a big week because we go to Carlisle on Saturday and it would be great to go there on the back of a win so we can start feeling good about ourselves again.”

But Tilson has yet to finalise his starting line-up.

The 42-year-old hinted there could be changes to the team after being thrashed by Walsall “to give his players a kick up the backside” but injury doubts have delayed his selection.

Midfielder Lee Sawyer picked up a groin problem against the Saddlers on Saturday and Tilson revealed one or two others faced late checks on their fitness.

“I don’t know what my team is at the moment because I’m not sure who is going to be fit,” he said.

“We’re waiting to find out what’s going to happen and then go from there. Lee has a bit of problem so he’s one of the ones we’re waiting on.

“There could be changes but whatever team we put out we want to win.

“We take this competition very seriously and with it being Orient, one of our local rivals, there is a bit more spice to the game as well.”