ADAM Thompson believes Southend United will face their toughest fixture in several weeks when they host York City at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The Minstermen are currently 19th in the League Two standings and have not triumphed in their last four outings.

But Thompson still expects them to be a stern test for the fifth placed Shrimpers.

“I think this will be our hardest game out of the last three of four because we’re at home and the table suggests York might come here and defend,” said the 22-year-old centre-back.

“It’s going to be hard to try and break them down and we’ve struggled to do that at Roots Hall just recently.

“However, with Joe Pigott doing well and Jake Cassidy working hard in a new formation hopefully we can improve on that.

“We’ve done well going forward in the last few games, scoring five times in our last two matches and that bodes well.

“Hopefully we can keep on taking the chances we’re creating and kick start our season even more with a win against York.”

Blues have triumphed at Oxford United and Portsmouth in their last two away games and have now been beaten just once in their last 13 outings.

Their last three home games have all ended in 0-0 draws.

But Thompson has been thrilled by the standard of Southend’s defending, which he believes is down to the immense competition for places.

“We have a really strong selection of defenders and it certainly keeps you on your toes,” said the former Northern Ireland under 21 international.

“You know if you play badly one week you’ll be out the next and I think that’s why the defensive record is so good this season.

“I’m enjoying playing alongside Jerome (Binnom-Williams) who is doing really well but we know we have to be on form to keep on playing.”

Thompson has certainly done that in recent weeks and has already made more starts this season than he did in the whole of the last.

The defender has already lined up 17 times this term, despite Blues boss Phil Brown constantly increasing his options with a series of new signings.

“I think I’ve already played more than I did last season and would like to think I’ve being doing well,” said Thompson.

“The manager has made some signings and new defenders always seem to be coming in but you can’t feel sorry for yourself.

“If you do well in training then you will get a chance.

“You definitely get a fair crack of the whip here and it’s up to you to make the most of the opportunities you’re presented with.”

And Thompson is keen to strengthen his claims for a regular starting slot by working his way on the score-sheet.

The centre-back has yet to net for the Shrimpers and is keen to put that right, especially after scoring an own goal at Portsmouth last weekend.

“I’m on minus one after last Saturday so I need to sort that now,” said Thompson.

“I’ll be looking to get on the end of set pieces and the defenders are confident we can get a goal soon. “