Southend United v Bradford City: Jackson sights on clinching safety on the road

The Bantams, who have slashed ticket prices for Burton’s visit on Tuesday to just £1, travel to Southend United sitting six points above the drop zone and still in danger of being dragged into trouble at the bottom of the Football League.

Relegation would have a catastrophic effect on City, who, as the Yorkshire Post revealed yesterday, are already seriously considering a move to Odsal in an attempt to slash costs.

Interim manager Jackson, therefore, wants to banish any lingering threat of the drop by claiming a win at Roots Hall tonight that would see Bradford reach his points target of 50.

He said: “The board have decided to reduce ticket prices to just £1 for the Burton game in an attempt to boost the attendance but I want us all but safe before then.

“If we win at Southend, we will be on 50 points and I think that will be enough to stay in the League – which was the target when I arrived.

“I will definitely be sending my team out to win. I want us to be positive. We have done better away from home since I came in, which is something I can’t explain.

“But, whatever the reason, I want us to (tonight) make it three wins from five away games under me.”

City will again be without James Hanson and Kevin Ellison as they look to avenge last August’s abject 2-0 defeat at home to Southend.

The £1 cut-price tickets for the Burton game, meanwhile, are on sale now from Valley Parade but must be bought by 5.0pm on Monday.

Last six games: Southend United LWLDLD, Bradford City WWDLLWL.

Referee: G Sutton (Lincolnshire).

Last time: Southend United 1 Bradford City 1; December 10, 2005; League One.