SOUTHEND United’s youth team manager Ricky Duncan hopes history can repeat itself when his side host Coventry City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup tonight.

Three years ago to the day, Blues shocked Championship club Derby County in the same competition as they saw off the Rams 4-1.

And Duncan is now keeping his fingers crossed that something similar can happen this evening.

“It’s on the same day and we’re playing another academy team from the Championship so hopefully we can cause another upset,” said Duncan.

“Coventry are mid-table in their league but we’re confident about our chances because we’ve been playing well.”

Blues are also at full strength for the tie and Duncan expects both Kane Ferdinand and Alex Woodyard to be called back from the first team squad to play.

“The manager has said to me that he also takes the FA Youth Cup seriously so at the moment I expect them to be with us,” said Duncan.

“That might change and it’s fine if it does because producing players for the first team remains the priority but it would be great if we could have a good run in the cup again this year.”

Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.30pm.

Ticket prices have been set at £3 adults and £1 concessions.