SOUTHEND United will be hoping to improve their wretched League Cup record when they visit Stevenage in the first round of the League Cup.

Blues have suffered eight successive first round exits in the League Cup and have not won in the competition since beating Bristol City back in 2010.

But the Shrimpers will be favourites to advance to the second round of the tournament, when Premier League sides come into the draw, this time around.

Stevenage ply their trade in League Two and finished in 10th place last term - just one point off the play-off places.

And Southend, who will be involved in a League Cup tie for the first time since Kevin Bond took charge at the back-end of last term, were paired with Stevenage when the first round draw was conducted by ex-England international John Barnes and Arsenal fans’ favourite Ray Parlour.

The Shrimpers fell at the first hurdle against Championship side Brentford last term.

And Stevenage, who are managed by Dino Maamria, were also knocked out of the competition at the first stage.

The League Two side suffered a 3-1 defeat at Norwich City, who went onto win the Championship title.

The tie will take place week commencing August 12.