They recognise that if they forfeit possession they will be punished by Rovers playmakers, says Shrimpers winger Mark Gower.

"Our passing has to be spot-on against Doncaster if we are going to get through," says Gower.

"They're strong on the ball and we can't afford to give it away cheaply because we will find it hard to get it back again.

"They impressed me both times we played them this season but, although we are aware of the size of the task facing us, we know we can do it," he told Essex paper, The Echo.

The 29-year-old says Southend's recent loss at Tranmere - spoiling an otherwise excellent run-in - would have no bearing on their form against Rovers.

"When we played at Tranmere the week before last and lost, I wasn't feeling the best and was a bit tired," said Gower.

"That's understandable at this stage of the season and that's why I think the manager decided to rest a few of us last Saturday (1-1 home draw with Port Vale.)

"I'm feeling a bit sharper now and hopefully that will make a difference to us.

"We're confident too and people shouldn't read too much into us drawing with Port Vale. There wasn't much at stake, it was a nothing game really and this type of match will bring the best out of us."

Gower has Wembley experience. He scored twice for England Schoolboys against Switzerland at the start of his career.

And he is now seeking more of the same as the Shrimpers chase play-off glory. "I was lucky enough to play at the old Wembley a couple of times," said Gower.

"It goes without saying that it would be brilliant to go to the new Wembley with Southend.

"It looks amazing from seeing it on the TV and the final being there does add even more spice to the play-offs. It would be an amazing day if we got there."

Meanwhile, former Barnsley manager Andy Ritchie believes Rovers are set to become semi-final losers.

The jobless ex-Huddersfield Town boss thinks Southend will get through to face Leeds United, who he backs to beat Carlisle, in the League One Play-off final.

Ritchie said: "Every one of them has a great chance, but my head says that Leeds will reach the final along with Southend. For personal reasons, I'd then hope Leeds would win it.

"You don't get any prizes for losing in the play-offs or any real satisfaction from reaching the top six and finishing with nothing, but what pleases me - and what should please the clubs involved - is that the four teams have got there by playing football.

"It makes a nonsense of the idea that you have to kick your way out of League One and this year you've got four clubs involved who are genuinely capable of winning the Play-offs. That's not always the case."

The former Oldham and Leeds striker managed Barnsley to victory over Swansea City in the 2006 League One play-off final.

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