Assistant manager Tommy Wright is aiming for three away points tomorrow to banish memories of FA Cup disappointment.

Athletic tumbled out of the Cup on home turf to Cheltenham in midweek, leaving manager John Sheridan furious following a good result at Northampton the previous Saturday.

World TV: Sheridan targets Cup progress

Now Latics head to Southend to face a Shrimpers side who have lost just once of fourteen outings and look set for a play-off push after elimination against Doncaster last season.

And Wright is full of respect for the progress made at Roots Hall, but says his players will head into the game in good spirits and looking to earn an away points haul.

"Now we're concentrating on the league and we've got the quality and players to push," said Wright, who stepped in front of the press with Sheridan at an FA disciplinary hearing.

"Southend got into the play-offs last year and they've got a decent squad there.  Obviously they have a few injuries but Steve Tilson's got a formidable side, especially at home.

"Even after the blow of the cup game, we'll go there with confidence.  We've got a lot of players who will come back into the side and we will be going there to try and win the game

"On our day we have proved we can do okay against the top teams, those who come to play and think 'we can beat Oldham'.  But we need to address things against the sides who tend to be a little bit fearful and sit back.

"Obviously we're all disappointed after the cup result, but good players pick themselves up, dust themselves off and get ready to go again."