Southend United v Burnley - Tony Dewhurst's big match preview

MARLON Beresford pointed the finger at Southend United's chief threat tomorrow and warned: 'Beware of the Boere'.

The Roots Hall menace will come in the shape of strapping six foot four inches Dutch striker Joroen Boere.

Beresford and Boere's paths first crossed on the astroturf at Burnley's Gawthorpe training ground and the Clarets goalkeeper recalled: "I remember Jimmy Mullen bringing him to Burnley on trial a few years ago.

"He could really pack a shot then and he could be a real handful for us tomorrow. We will have to keep a sharp eye on him because he is especially good in the air.

"He came off late in the game in Luton, but if he plays tomorrow he will be a special danger to us from set pieces and corner kicks.

"He is a classic centre forward. Robust, powerful and strong - and he knows where the net is.

"I remember he was only at Burnley for a few days and then he got injured on the plastic surface. We didn't see him again."

Beresford is enjoying a prosperous start to the Second Division campaign - with praise from player-manager Chris Waddle still ringing in his ears.

"It always nice to hear your manager admiring your performance but I am just going to keep my head down and get on with it.

"I feel more confident every time I go out on to the pitch."

But Beresford strongly refutes suggestions that the arrival of Tony Parks and Chris Woods has proved the major factor in his enhanced form. "I've heard some people saying that but that is certainly not a conscious thing as far as I'm concerned, " he added.

"It is great having such experienced goalkeepers as competition but I am just going about my job quietly and I'm happy with the start I've made.

"I always aspire to play well for Burnley but I feel confident, sharp and ready for the challenge.

"My main aim to keep the goalkeeper's jersey and it is up to me to prove to the gaffer that I am his first choice.

"Chris Waddle has brought extra professionalism to the club, there is no doubt about that.

"Maybe one or two are in awe of him because, after all, he is still a massive name in the game.

"But I don't think that comes into it. He mixes well in training and I think all the lads have responded to him. We look a lot more resilient as a football team.

"Look at the way we defended against Gillingham when David Eyres was sent-off and we were down to 10 men.

"It will take a little time to get us playing the way Chris wants but I am more convinced than ever that we will be in the hunt for promotion at the end of this season." Certainly, Beresford's remarkable agility kept the Clarets in the Coca-Cola first round, first leg tie at Sincil Bank after Lincoln had taken a shock lead.

The 1-1 draw leaves Burnley as favourites to progress at Turf Moor next Tuesday.

Beresford's save from a ferocious Phil Stant volley was the highlight of the match.

Southend, relegated from the First Division last season after a miserable year, have had a mixed start to their campaign as they bid to find their feet again.

There were held 1-1 at Roots Hall on the opening day of the season by Carlisle before losing narrowly at Luton Town in Monday's Sky TV match at Kenilworth Road.

Sandwiched between was a Coca-Cola Cup success over Third Division Cardiff City.

New manager Alvin Martin, the West Ham old boy, is operating on a strictly limited budget following the sacking of Ronnie Whelan, with his most recent signing the arrival of Carl Beeston from Stoke City on a three-month loan.

Martin has the option of recalling Paul Williams for his first game this season after the striker has recovered from a virus.

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