ITS do or die for Southend United as they prepare to welcome York City to Roots Hall tomorrow.

The Shrimpers have stuttered in their previous two outings, both against sides near the foot of the table, and a third winless game would surely end their hopes of a play-off place.

United were unconvincing against Torquay and against bottom club Halifax with both matches ending 1-1 and with last Friday night's game against Cheltenham washed out Rob Newman's side have dropped into the bottom half of the table.

Turning draws into wins has certainly been the problem for the Shrimpers.

They are unbeaten in their last five outings and have lost just once in nine but that run includes just two wins compared to six draws.

Midfielder Kevin Maher is rated doubtful tomorrow after suffering a toe injury against the Shaymen while winger Steven Clark is definitely out.

Clark, a £50,000 buy from West Ham, has damaged knee ligaments and could be out for up to a month,

However, striker Tes Bramble, brother of Ipswich's Titus and Southend's ten-goal top scorer, is expected to be fit after shaking off a groin injury while fellow front-man Mark Rawle could be deployed in midfield after also overcoming a niggling groin problem.

Mark Beard, the former Sheffield United full-back, could also be recalled to the squad after coming through a reserve game in midweek.

Updated: 11:38 Friday, February 08, 2002