Striker Scott Vernon hopes to have happier memories of this Saturday's trip to stadium:mk than his previous two visits.

Vernon, on loan at Roots Hall from Colchester United, has already had two eventful afternoons at MK Dons this season.

And he is hoping for a third with the Blues on Saturday but for all the right reasons this time.

"I've already played twice at MK Dons this season but hopefully it will go a bit better for me this weekend," he said.

"In my first game there I did score for Colchester but we lost, which was disappointing, and then I went there with Gillingham and got injured.

"It was my debut for them but I picked up a nasty ankle problem. I tore a couple of ligaments and was out for a quite a while so plenty has already happened at MK Dons for me and, fingers crossed, Saturday will be more positive."

United will be hoping to seal their first win of 2010 also as they look to move away from the lower reaches of League One.

Blues are without a win since the end of December but Vernon is still confident that Southend could spring a surprise at stadium:mk.

"I think we are capable of beating anyone on our day and there is no reason why we can't win on Saturday," said Vernon.

"MK Dons can be beaten too. They lost 5-0 at Carlisle last weekend and have been a bit up and down themselves, so hopefully we can get the three points."