Leyton Orient v Southend United preview (From This Is Local London)

Leyton Orient v Southend United Johnstone's Paint Trophy preview

12:23pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in Latest Sport By Simon Mail

Leyton Orient can take a giant step towards Wembley tonight when they host Southend United in the first leg of their southern area final in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The O's start as favourites against their League Two rivals and will be cheered on by their biggest crowd of the season with nearly 5,000 tickets already sold.

Orient boss Russell Slade is determined to take his team to the final at Wembley and has called on their supporters to make the difference.

Slade said: "It would be fantastic. It's what I want to do. I want to take the fans to Wembley. It's a big desire since we've got very close to doing so and we are just a contest away now so we have to make sure we go and do it properly.

"You want the fans to come out in force especially in a local derby. I need them on Tuesday to come out and get behind the team. It's never easy in a first leg and if we can take an advantage to their place I'll be delighted."

Orient are likely to hand a home debut to Millwall loanee Shaun Batt with Charlie MacDonald cup-tied for the clash. Captain Nathan Clarke could also be involved after he made his first appearance since November as a substitute in Saturday's win at Stevenage.

Southend United have high hopes of winning promotion this season with Paul Sturrock's side sitting fifth in League Two. 

The most recent meeting between the teams came last season when Orient won on penalties after a 1-1 League Cup draw at Roots Hall. 

The O's last victory in 90 minutes against the Shrimpers came in 2008 when they won 4-2 at Southend in this competition.