SWANSEA V SOUTHEND - MATCH PREVIEW

With Saturday's F.A. Cup 1st round clash against Rushden and Diamonds looming and Leon Britton being added to the Swans ever growing injury list, Swans boss Brian Flynn is expected to field a youthful team at the Vetch tonight for the visit of Southend in the LDV Vans Trophy Southern Section 2nd Round. Loan signings Mark Wilson, Alan Tate and Daniel Nardiello are all expected to start the game and Flynn may well give debuts to several of his promising youth team players in an attempt to avoid further injuries to key first team players ahead of Saturday's cup clash. Strong rumours suggest that leading scorer Lee Trundle may make an appearance on the bench and may possibly get a run out at some stage in preparation for a full return to action on Saturday.

Southend arrive at the Vetch this evening just 24 hours after the sacking of manager Steve Wignall. Many Shrimpers fans are shocked at the decision to replace Wignall after less than seven months in charge at the club. Club owner Ron Martin cited Southends disappointing start to the season as the reason for the sacking. David Webb takes over as caretaker manager for tonights game and will pick from a squad which will be missing defender Duncan Jupp, Jamie Stuart, Jamie Fullarton, Steven Clark, Mark Warren and Leke Odunsi.

Many Swans fans will have fond memories of this competition and in fact it was ten years ago this season that John Cornforth lifted the Autoglass Trophy at Wembley. The Swans reached the semi-final of the competition the following season where they lost to Birmingham City. In more recent years, the Swans haven't enjoyed as much success in the competition. Getting beyond the second round only once in the last eight seasons. With only four games separating the Swans from a potential money spinning final at the Millenium Stadium, i'm sure Flynn will be eager to see his Swansea team progress to the next round.

This competition has traditionally been used as a testing ground for new rules and regulations and this season is no exception, with the introduction of the "Silver" goal rule. Under the new format, which was first seen in last seasons UEFA Cup and Champions League, the side leading at the end of the first period of extra time will be declared the winner. If the teams are still tied at this point, a second period of extra time will be played in full. If the scores still remain tied, penalties will then be used to determine a winner.

With a history of relatively poor attendances for games in this competition, the club have taken the step of allowing free entry for under 16's if they're accompanied by a paying adult.

So get down to the Vetch tonight and cheer the boys into the third round. You never know, it could lead to a day out at the Millenium Stadium in April.

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