Tilson readies side for penalties

Southend boss Steve Tilson believes penalties may be needed to settle their League One play-off tie with Doncaster after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

"It was really tight in the first leg so you've got to practice them," he told BBC Essex ahead of Friday's game.

"You'll never get it the same as in the match situation, but you've got to practice because if you do go out people will say you should have done.

"Also it gives them confidence, and me the confidence to pick the right five."

Tilson knows the result could go either way and is hopeful his side will be able to handle the pressure.

"There's so much at stake that players I'm sure will feel the nerves a little bit."
Steve Tilson

He said: "If we can keep it nice and tight in the first 15 to 20 minutes, we can give ourselves a foot-hold on the game.

"But who knows what's going to happen, it's just about on the day now - there's so much at stake that players I'm sure will feel the nerves a little bit.

"It makes people make funny decisions and it makes people freeze on the day sometimes.

"So whoever handles the pressure [best] are going to have a big bonus."

The winners of the game will face Leeds United in the League One Play-Off final at Wembley on 25 May.

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