Southend v Northampton preview
Last Updated: September 2, 2011 11:28am
Sawyer: Has a thigh problem
Team news ahead of Saturday's League Two clash between Southend United and Northampton Town at Roots Hall.
Neil Harris, Lee Sawyer and Liam Dickinson have been added to Southend's list of absentees but Michael Timlin could make his second debut for the club.
Striker Harris was forced off after just 25 minutes of Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory over Crawley nursing a groin problem, while midfielder Sawyer followed him into the treatment room at half-time carrying a thigh strain.
Forward Dickinson had already converted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot when he was shown a red card, meaning he now starts a three-match suspension.
Meanwhile, Timlin arrived on loan at Roots Hall from Swindon on transfer deadline day and, having spent six weeks with the Shrimpers last season, could go straight into Paul Sturrock's plans.
Midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala (groin) and striker Barry Corr (knee) continue to miss out, while Southend terminated the loan deal of midfielder Alassane N'Diaye on Wednesday.
Northampton could be boosted by the return of three players.
Defenders Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi and Ashley Westwood and striker Jake Robinson are closing in on returns from injury.
"We are hoping to have both Nana and Jake available for selection," said Town assistant manager David Lee.
"With Nana back we've got options in defence and Ashley Westwood is ready for a return to the first team as well.
"Ben Tozer went to left-back on Tuesday night and did very well against a good player."
Kelvin Langmead, along with Westwood, has extended his stay at Sixfields but midfielder Kevin Thornton and striker Shaun Harrad left during the transfer window.
Matches
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npower League 2
Table
npower League 2
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gillingham | 46 | 83 |
| 2 | Rotherham United | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Port Vale | 46 | 78 |
| 4 | Burton Albion | 46 | 76 |
| 5 | Cheltenham Town | 46 | 75 |
| 6 | Northampton Town | 46 | 73 |
| 7 | Bradford City | 46 | 69 |
| 8 | Chesterfield | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Oxford United | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Exeter City | 46 | 64 |
| 11 | Southend United | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Rochdale | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Fleetwood Town | 46 | 60 |
| 14 | Bristol Rovers | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Wycombe Wanderers | 46 | 60 |
| 16 | Morecambe | 46 | 58 |
| 17 | York City | 46 | 55 |
| 18 | Accrington Stanley | 46 | 54 |
| 19 | Torquay United | 46 | 53 |
| 20 | AFC Wimbledon | 46 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | 52 |
| 22 | Dagenham & Redbridge | 46 | 51 |
| 23 | Barnet | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Aldershot Town | 46 | 48 |
