Blackpool boss hopes his younger players rise to the occasion

Don’t miss the latest football transfer news and gossip from leagues in England, Scotland and Europe with footballwire.co.uk

The Seasiders play at home for the second time in five days as they welcome the side directly above them in the table to Bloomfield Road.

Southend’s squad is one packed full of experienced heads, boasting former Premier League players Michael Turner, Michael Kightly and Simon Cox among their ranks.

Blackpool, meanwhile, are a youthful side but Bowyer is hoping that can be used to their advantage.

“Southend are an experienced team and we’ve got to match that experience and try and trouble them,” Bowyer said.

“We’ve got to try and use our youthful enthusiasm and energy and try and find a way to stop the experience and knowhow of Southend.

“We know it’s going to be a challenge but it’s one we’re really looking forward to.

“We’re full of confidence and the boys should be skipping into work with the way they performed and with the psychological advantage a last-minute winner gives you.

“It’s the best way to win a game.”

Blackpool were beaten 2-1 at Roots Hall back in September, a game they could have drawn had Jimmy Ryan’s last-minute penalty not been saved.

“We gifted them two poor goals down there, yet second half we played really well. We really did,” Bowyer added.

“We thought we were going to get something from the game with the late penalty but fair play to the goalkeeper (Mark Oxley), he made an outstanding save.

“I think Jimmy is still trying to get over that penalty miss.

“But we’ve got to use the frustration of not getting anything down there into Saturday’s game.

“Chris Powell is a real nice bloke and it will be good to catch up with him on Saturday.

“The games against him during my time at Blackburn were always tight games between two good footballing teams.

“I expect exactly the same on Saturday.”