Essex rivals prepare for battle

Colchester and Southend are gearing up for a massive Essex derby clash on Saturday.

Colchester and Southend are gearing up for a massive Essex derby clash on Saturday.

The Shrimpers currently sit proudly at the top of the League One table - five points clear of The U's, who sit behind them in fourth.

That could all change if Phil Parkinson's men win their two games in hand, however, and there will be a real edge to the clash at Layer Road.

Colchester defender Greg Halford explained the significance of the game to Sky Sports News, saying: "I'm from between Colchester and Southend - right dead in the middle - so I get the rivalry.

"I've got a few mates from Southend and a few from Colchester so it's a big game - everyone's looking forward to it and it'll be a good one to watch."

Southend forward Freddy Eastwood is also a local, and he is aware of how much the occasion will mean to supporters of both clubs.

"I'm a Basildon boy and I know all the fans love the derby games. When we played them at home the fans were going wild. It was a derby and we beat them 4-1.

"Obviously we're top of the league but it's at their place and they're third or fourth with games in hand."