AARON Martin says Oxford United cannot use a low attendance at Roots Hall tonight as an excuse for allowing their standards to fall.

The controversial Checkatrade Trophy has struggled to attract supporters, some of whom are boycotting it over the invitation of category one academy sides.

United took 440 fans to the Sky Bet League One game at Roots Hall in September, which had a gate of 5,597.

But the tally for the second round tie this evening is expected to be far lower, with Southend’s home games in the Trophy being watched by 1,275 and 2,383 against Brighton and Leyton Orient respectively.

While aware of the competition’s critics, Martin sees value in it as he looks for a run in the side.

And despite a potential lack of atmosphere, the centre back is taking the game as seriously as any other.

“I think it’s good, especially if you’re not playing in the league,” he said.

“You don’t know how many people will be there – it could be loads or hardly any.

“You just have to deal with it – just because nobody turns up you can’t allow your performance level to drop.”

Aside from progressing and building momentum for Saturday’s league clash with Oldham Athletic, United have plenty of incentive to produce a response.

On Friday night they were fortunate to claim a goalless draw with non-league Macclesfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup.

Among those who feel they have something to prove is teenage forward Tyler Roberts.

He said: “Hopefully I can impress in training to start again and put in a better performance than I thought I did the other night.

“It was a different kind of game and I didn’t have the kind of impact I wanted.

“It was a learning experience for me and I can only get better from it.”

There is also the matter of improving an awful record at Roots Hall, which has seen United lose on seven of their last eight visits.

Boss Michael Appleton said: “It’s a place I’ve been reminded that we’ve never done well at. It would be nice to put that right if we can.”

Joe Skarz will miss the game (bad back), Charlie Raglan is cup-tied and Alex MacDonald is suspended, but Curtis Nelson is available after a foot injury.

Southend had a blank weekend following an early FA Cup exit, so are expected to name their strongest side.

Their only injuries are long-term absentees striker David Mooney (ankle), plus defenders Ryan Inniss (shoulder) and Ben Coker (ankle).

Southend Utd: from Oxley, Demetriou, Ferdinand, Thompson, Timlin, Atkinson, Leonard, Wordsworth, McLaughlin, Cox, Ranger, Fortune, McGlashan, King, Sokolik, O’Neill, White, Smith.

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Edwards, Martin, Nelson, Ruffels, Lundstram, Rothwell, Hall, Hemmings, Taylor, Maguire, T Roberts, Johnson, Ledson, Welch-Hayes, Carroll, Buchel.