What the Stats Say...Southend (JPT)

Oxford face Southend again, as the Shrimpers visit for a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie just days after their league clash which saw Southend take a two-point lead at the top of the table. Southend are now 9 points ahead of the Us in the league, but after being thoroughly outplayed on Saturday they will arrive at the Kassam with a battle on their hands. They do, however, have a far superior record in this competition, though this will be the first meeting between the two sides in the Football League Trophy, due in no small part to Oxford's abysmal record in it, as Matt Peck reveals.

THE NUMBERS

League Trophy meetings

Played: 0

Oxford Wins: 0

Southend Wins: 0

Draws: 0

Last Season's League Trophy Run

Oxford:

Round 1: Beaten by Aldershot Town 0-2

Southend:

Round 1: Beat Gillingham 0-0 (Won on Penalties)

Round 2: Beat Barnet 1-3

Quarter Final: Beaten by Charlton 0-1.

League Trophy Runs

Southend have twice reached the final twice of the trophy, in 2004 and 2005 when it was known as LDV Vans Trophy. Both times they lost 2-0. Blackpool and Wrexham taking the trophy in ’04 and ’05 respectively.

Oxford have only got as far the area quarter finals, reaching them on 3 occasions prior to the visit of Southend. In 1995, they lost to Swansea at home, then in 2000 Brentford beat them 2-0 and again in 2005, where Cheltenham dumped the U’s out the cup 2-1.

OTHER STATS

 Having played only 3 days ago at Roots Hall both Oxford and Southend will have a feel for the other side. Southend came out 2-1 winners on Saturday, however Oxford have plenty of positives to take from the game. And as the old cliché goes: Anything can happen in the cup.

Southend hold the largest winning margin the Football League Trophy, beating Aldershot Town 10-1 in November 1990.

Oxford and Southend have never met in the League Trophy, but have met in both the League Cup, and the FA Cup. In 2007, Oxford went to Southend for a second round replay in the FA Cup after a 0-0 draw at the Kassam. Southend went on to win 3-0. The Seasiders then went on to beat Dagenham in Round 3, before finally having their cup run ended by Barnsley in the 4^th round.

Oxford have had more success against their opponents in the League Cup, beating Southend on three occasions. Oxford won both legs of the first round in 1999 (Agg: 3-0) and beating them in the home leg of the first round in 1980, and winning the overall tie 2-1.

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