SOUTHEND United’s towering teenage striker Duane Ofori-Acheampong will be looking to continue his fine scoring sequence when Blues host Coventry City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup tonight.

The 18-year-old, who stands at 6ft 4ins tall, has scored in the two previous rounds of the competition against both Luton Town and Brentford.

And he is now aiming for more of the same against the Sky Blues.

“The FA Youth Cup is a big competition and we always look forward to the games so tonight is no different,” said Ofori-Acheampong.

“My family are all coming down to watch, so I’m certainly fired up to do well and I’m sure the rest of the team are as well.”

Blues saw off Luton Town 3-1 in the first round of the competition, with Ofori-Acheampong bagging a brace.

He was also on target when Southend beat Brentford 3-0 in the next round and the youngster has now netted 11 goals for the youth team this season.

That is a significant improvement on last season and Ofori-Acheampong puts that down to an increased workload.

“Last year I think I only got four or five goals, so it’s going much better for me this season and I think it’s because I’ve been working really hard,” said the striker.

“I’ve been playing more regularly, which helps, and my aim is to keep on doing well to try and get a professional contract and, ultimately, a place in the first team, which remains my biggest goal.”

FULL STORY IN WEDNESDAY'S ECHO