Today's game began in bright sunshine, but minutes into the match this disappeared and was replaced by menacing grey clouds. This pretty much describes the game itself.
The day started positively, with hopes of another home victory and giving a bumper 5,023-strong crowd a send-off that would bring them back in their droves next season. However, as soon as it started, it seemed as though the players weren't reading the script. Rob Newman continued his experimentation with the starting line-up by making three changes. Ian Selley returned for perhaps his last home game in a Blues shirt in place of Stephen Broad, a move which saw Mark Beard revert to right-back and Stuart Thurgood back into that wide right berth that he finds himself so regularly in, despite his preference for the middle of the park. Daniel Kerrigan also dropped to the bench to make way for Leon Johnson, who seemed to play much of the game at left-back with Damon Searle in a more advanced position. Once again, Danny Gay replaced Flahavan between the sticks as Newman gives him experience before what seems like next season's number one spot is handed to him. Also on the bench were Rio Alderton and Adam Wallace, both anxious to get on the pitch and show the manager that they are worth a place in his plans for next season's campaign.
The day started positively, with hopes of another home victory and giving a bumper 5,023-strong crowd a send-off that would bring them back in their droves next season. However, as soon as it started, it seemed as though the players weren't reading the script. Rob Newman continued his experimentation with the starting line-up by making three changes. Ian Selley returned for perhaps his last home game in a Blues shirt in place of Stephen Broad, a move which saw Mark Beard revert to right-back and Stuart Thurgood back into that wide right berth that he finds himself so regularly in, despite his preference for the middle of the park. Daniel Kerrigan also dropped to the bench to make way for Leon Johnson, who seemed to play much of the game at left-back with Damon Searle in a more advanced position. Once again, Danny Gay replaced Flahavan between the sticks as Newman gives him experience before what seems like next season's number one spot is handed to him. Also on the bench were Rio Alderton and Adam Wallace, both anxious to get on the pitch and show the manager that they are worth a place in his plans for next season's campaign.
There was no sign of Tes Bramble and Tony Richards, both of whom played 45 minutes for the reserves on Wednesday and also Mark Rawle who goes to see another specialist about his groin injury this week. Unfortunately even the number of players trying to get new contracts for next year didn't stop the game beginning in a very flat manner. Both sides seemed content to sit back and see what the game would throw at them rather than take it to the opposition. It was, however, the visitors who took the initiative first, their dangerous top-scorer Luke Rodgers springing into a position on the edge of Blues penalty area after eight minutes. When he struck a half-volleyed effort it came off of Dave McSweeney's arm, with Shrewsbury appeals turned down by official Mr. Richards. No sooner had this happened than was Macca snapping at Rodgers' heels again and sliding in on him in the box. Rodgers missed Macca's lunge, then skewed his own shot wide of the far post.
This was just the first of the referee's diabolical decisions. Macca could have been cautioned for either misdemeanor, the ball probably striking him rather than vice versa before he could have been cautioned for intent with his sliding challenge. Thankfully for Blues he wasn't, but this doesn't make the referee correct in his own actions. It was very fortunate for the Shrimpers that Macca wasn't cautioned or even sent-off. He was Blues man-of-the-match, commanding the back line impressively. This is something that he seems to have been working on, and being made reserve team captain has also helped. He was prepared to boss Leon Cort and Searley around today and actually organise the back, something that many people have been crying out for in recent seasons.
The game then reverted to type, Blues sitting back until Shrewsbury had constructed a move before the back four snuffed out any opportunity of a goal. Then Southend would push forward and build an attack, but the balls were coming in from too deep from Beardo and Searley and no-one was prepared to take a chance and try and skip round a few men in order to cross from the bye-line. Oh, to have had Steven Clark on the pitch today. However, this points out one very important lesson to the youngster - although he undoubtedly has talent he must make sure that his emotions do not run away with him. His actions in headbutting a Scunthorpe player when 2-0 up and two-and-a-half minutes into three minutes of injury time cost him his appearance here today and maybe also his side three points into the bargain. There were excuses that day, but I shouldn't think he will do it again.
In the twenty-second minute, the Shrews finally broke the deadlock. Having built on the right-hand side through Ryan Lowe and top marksman Rodgers, Blues defence was caught napping and former Nottingham Forest winger Ian Woan was left ten yards out with only Danny Gay to beat. Any player who has played at the highest level would be favourite to win out in that position and no blame can be apportioned to Gay for the goal. Perhaps Macca and Beardo were too stretched at the back, but the goal did seem to come from nowhere. Rob Newman, though, will not be best pleased with it, and it was one of those sloppy goals to conceed when you appear to be in the comfort zone. Those type of goals need to be erradicated before the start of next year's campaign.
Just a minute after the visitors had got themselves in front, the Shrimpers had the ideal opportunity to reply and also their best chance of the game. Searley fashioned a move down the left which meant that the ball came to Barrington Belgrave. Bazza laid it off to Stu, who whipped a cross into Beardo on the far stick. Not known for his aerial prowess, Beard nodded the ball into the path of the on-rushing Bazza. He in turn took it past Town 'keeper Ian Dunbavin but just misjudged his slide as the ball was deflected past the left-hand upright.
Blues continued to press until Stuart Thurgood recieved the ball on the right-hand flank in the 28th minute. He seemed to be going nowhere (a theme for the day) when he had his feet taken from under him by Rodgers. Stu duly got up and tripped the forward. Incensed, Rodgers retaliated and was quickly given his marching orders by the ref. It probably was a bit harsh but if you raise your hands then you have no excuse. The officials then proceeded to lose all grip on the game. Dave McSweeeney was booked for a far more inoccuous challenge than the one that he escaped punishment for earlier in the game and Ian Selley was disciplined after he had been fouled himself. The protesting Woan was then given a caution as a semblence of common sense drifted into Roots Hall just prior to the break. Blues went in one down, but at this stage not out.
The next twenty minutes passed by with Southend constantly putting pressure on the ten men of Shrewsbury, but without ever having the inventiveness that could have prized open a clear-cut chance. Kevin Maher and Ian Selley were instrumental in setting up ball after ball for the wide man, Searley and Thurgood, to whip into the box. But these balls were still coming in from too deep and did not cause any difficulty for the Shrewsbury defence. However, whist they were still just a goal down, Blues were in with a chance. Wallace was introduced for his home debut after 56 minutes in place of Johnno, who didn't really impress enough to be given a new contract, and immediately set about unnnerving the visitors centre-backs, Matty Redmile and Mick Heathcote. He gave them little nudges and generally caused them a few problems, but importantly even he couln't create a real chance.
Then, on 65 minutes, Rio Alderton was given his introduction for the ever-impressive Selley. Considering he had just returned form a rib injury the former Arsenal man was superb, never flinching in the tackle and ready to initiate moves from the midfeld. Certainly if he does manage to stay at the Hall for next season, our promotion hopes will be greatly enhanced. The swap seemed to just make Blues a little more nervous, so that when Danny Gay recieved the ball from Macca after sixty-seven minutes he just put it that inch too far for Maher. Kev was unable to control easily and tried to offload the ball quickly for Searle on the left. Unluckily, the outstretched arm of Lowe was there to deflect the ball into his own path and into a one-on-one situation with the Gay. Though the former Norwich custodian spread himself well, he was unable to prevent the Shrewsbury lead doubling. The ref waved away Blues appeals for a free-kick and capped his own dreadful display. With this the match seemed to drift away.
Blues lost all conviction, a Whelan nod down and blast wide of the post in the eightieth minute nearly all they had to show for their performance. Three minutes later Leon Cort smashed an effort wide after the introduction of Broady for Beardo and also a tussle involving Wallace and Heathcote which saw the youngster's effort blocked and sent away from goal. Whelan also had numerous headers wide of the mark, but none ever even looked like threatening Dunbavin, who didn't have a save to make in anger.
Despite having fourteen shots on goal to the Shrews' five and ten corners to the visitor's one, Blues could not make their domination count. There was no real conviction, no work for Dunbavin and no end-of-season cheer for the Blues fans. The major problem is that there were over five thousand in today, and if you take one thousand away as being Shrewsbury fans that means around one-and-a-half thousand floating supporters - schoolchildren and other fans that needed to be convinced that they should come to the Hall more often. This simply didn't happen today because it was a very flat performance and sadly the little kids will be drawn towards the bigger teams in the London area such as West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham. That is the saddest thing about the match and the chance has been missed until next year to try and win them back. Hopefully, that is what will happen.
Player Ratings (4-4-2): Gay 6; Beard 6 (Broad 77,6), McSweeney 8, Cort 6, Johnson 5 (Wallace 56, 7); Thurgood 5, Maher 7, Selley 7 (Alderton 65, 6), Searle 6; Whelan 5, Belgrave 6. Subs not used: Flahavan, Kerrigan.
After the game the Southend United Player of the Season award was given to Darryl Flahavan. Personally, although I think that Leon Cort has played superbly this year, I believe that Darryl was given the award by the fans because of one-and-a-half year's of excellent service to the club and not just eight months. There is a slight flaw in this, but if Darryl had signed a contract by now I don't think that the howls of derision from certain members of the fan-base would have been present. Everyone would be backing him and hopefully they still will do next season because he has been a quality memeber of the squad. When you look at next year, if you see Darryl and Danny as two 'keepers behind your back four then there is no doubt that defensively we will be sound.
Talking of next season, it is a shame that both Scotty Forbes and Marek Szmid have been released. I realise that football is a cut-and-thrust environment, but especially Forbesy gave 110% commitment. This counted, however, for little at the end of the day, and his injury-blighted season has proved very costly. Szmid, on the other, although not really impressing in the reserves, had a very decent first half against Leyton Orient and was taken off, with his only other first-team performance being a ten minutes against Hartlepool in our 5-1 drubbing. This doesn't really constitute a fair crack of the whip, but I'm sure that Rob Newman will have a more than adequate replacement in mind. I would like to add my own best wishes for the future to both players in whatever paths they take.
This was just the first of the referee's diabolical decisions. Macca could have been cautioned for either misdemeanor, the ball probably striking him rather than vice versa before he could have been cautioned for intent with his sliding challenge. Thankfully for Blues he wasn't, but this doesn't make the referee correct in his own actions. It was very fortunate for the Shrimpers that Macca wasn't cautioned or even sent-off. He was Blues man-of-the-match, commanding the back line impressively. This is something that he seems to have been working on, and being made reserve team captain has also helped. He was prepared to boss Leon Cort and Searley around today and actually organise the back, something that many people have been crying out for in recent seasons.
The game then reverted to type, Blues sitting back until Shrewsbury had constructed a move before the back four snuffed out any opportunity of a goal. Then Southend would push forward and build an attack, but the balls were coming in from too deep from Beardo and Searley and no-one was prepared to take a chance and try and skip round a few men in order to cross from the bye-line. Oh, to have had Steven Clark on the pitch today. However, this points out one very important lesson to the youngster - although he undoubtedly has talent he must make sure that his emotions do not run away with him. His actions in headbutting a Scunthorpe player when 2-0 up and two-and-a-half minutes into three minutes of injury time cost him his appearance here today and maybe also his side three points into the bargain. There were excuses that day, but I shouldn't think he will do it again.
In the twenty-second minute, the Shrews finally broke the deadlock. Having built on the right-hand side through Ryan Lowe and top marksman Rodgers, Blues defence was caught napping and former Nottingham Forest winger Ian Woan was left ten yards out with only Danny Gay to beat. Any player who has played at the highest level would be favourite to win out in that position and no blame can be apportioned to Gay for the goal. Perhaps Macca and Beardo were too stretched at the back, but the goal did seem to come from nowhere. Rob Newman, though, will not be best pleased with it, and it was one of those sloppy goals to conceed when you appear to be in the comfort zone. Those type of goals need to be erradicated before the start of next year's campaign.
Just a minute after the visitors had got themselves in front, the Shrimpers had the ideal opportunity to reply and also their best chance of the game. Searley fashioned a move down the left which meant that the ball came to Barrington Belgrave. Bazza laid it off to Stu, who whipped a cross into Beardo on the far stick. Not known for his aerial prowess, Beard nodded the ball into the path of the on-rushing Bazza. He in turn took it past Town 'keeper Ian Dunbavin but just misjudged his slide as the ball was deflected past the left-hand upright.
Blues continued to press until Stuart Thurgood recieved the ball on the right-hand flank in the 28th minute. He seemed to be going nowhere (a theme for the day) when he had his feet taken from under him by Rodgers. Stu duly got up and tripped the forward. Incensed, Rodgers retaliated and was quickly given his marching orders by the ref. It probably was a bit harsh but if you raise your hands then you have no excuse. The officials then proceeded to lose all grip on the game. Dave McSweeeney was booked for a far more inoccuous challenge than the one that he escaped punishment for earlier in the game and Ian Selley was disciplined after he had been fouled himself. The protesting Woan was then given a caution as a semblence of common sense drifted into Roots Hall just prior to the break. Blues went in one down, but at this stage not out.
The next twenty minutes passed by with Southend constantly putting pressure on the ten men of Shrewsbury, but without ever having the inventiveness that could have prized open a clear-cut chance. Kevin Maher and Ian Selley were instrumental in setting up ball after ball for the wide man, Searley and Thurgood, to whip into the box. But these balls were still coming in from too deep and did not cause any difficulty for the Shrewsbury defence. However, whist they were still just a goal down, Blues were in with a chance. Wallace was introduced for his home debut after 56 minutes in place of Johnno, who didn't really impress enough to be given a new contract, and immediately set about unnnerving the visitors centre-backs, Matty Redmile and Mick Heathcote. He gave them little nudges and generally caused them a few problems, but importantly even he couln't create a real chance.
Then, on 65 minutes, Rio Alderton was given his introduction for the ever-impressive Selley. Considering he had just returned form a rib injury the former Arsenal man was superb, never flinching in the tackle and ready to initiate moves from the midfeld. Certainly if he does manage to stay at the Hall for next season, our promotion hopes will be greatly enhanced. The swap seemed to just make Blues a little more nervous, so that when Danny Gay recieved the ball from Macca after sixty-seven minutes he just put it that inch too far for Maher. Kev was unable to control easily and tried to offload the ball quickly for Searle on the left. Unluckily, the outstretched arm of Lowe was there to deflect the ball into his own path and into a one-on-one situation with the Gay. Though the former Norwich custodian spread himself well, he was unable to prevent the Shrewsbury lead doubling. The ref waved away Blues appeals for a free-kick and capped his own dreadful display. With this the match seemed to drift away.
Blues lost all conviction, a Whelan nod down and blast wide of the post in the eightieth minute nearly all they had to show for their performance. Three minutes later Leon Cort smashed an effort wide after the introduction of Broady for Beardo and also a tussle involving Wallace and Heathcote which saw the youngster's effort blocked and sent away from goal. Whelan also had numerous headers wide of the mark, but none ever even looked like threatening Dunbavin, who didn't have a save to make in anger.
Despite having fourteen shots on goal to the Shrews' five and ten corners to the visitor's one, Blues could not make their domination count. There was no real conviction, no work for Dunbavin and no end-of-season cheer for the Blues fans. The major problem is that there were over five thousand in today, and if you take one thousand away as being Shrewsbury fans that means around one-and-a-half thousand floating supporters - schoolchildren and other fans that needed to be convinced that they should come to the Hall more often. This simply didn't happen today because it was a very flat performance and sadly the little kids will be drawn towards the bigger teams in the London area such as West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham. That is the saddest thing about the match and the chance has been missed until next year to try and win them back. Hopefully, that is what will happen.
Player Ratings (4-4-2): Gay 6; Beard 6 (Broad 77,6), McSweeney 8, Cort 6, Johnson 5 (Wallace 56, 7); Thurgood 5, Maher 7, Selley 7 (Alderton 65, 6), Searle 6; Whelan 5, Belgrave 6. Subs not used: Flahavan, Kerrigan.
After the game the Southend United Player of the Season award was given to Darryl Flahavan. Personally, although I think that Leon Cort has played superbly this year, I believe that Darryl was given the award by the fans because of one-and-a-half year's of excellent service to the club and not just eight months. There is a slight flaw in this, but if Darryl had signed a contract by now I don't think that the howls of derision from certain members of the fan-base would have been present. Everyone would be backing him and hopefully they still will do next season because he has been a quality memeber of the squad. When you look at next year, if you see Darryl and Danny as two 'keepers behind your back four then there is no doubt that defensively we will be sound.
Talking of next season, it is a shame that both Scotty Forbes and Marek Szmid have been released. I realise that football is a cut-and-thrust environment, but especially Forbesy gave 110% commitment. This counted, however, for little at the end of the day, and his injury-blighted season has proved very costly. Szmid, on the other, although not really impressing in the reserves, had a very decent first half against Leyton Orient and was taken off, with his only other first-team performance being a ten minutes against Hartlepool in our 5-1 drubbing. This doesn't really constitute a fair crack of the whip, but I'm sure that Rob Newman will have a more than adequate replacement in mind. I would like to add my own best wishes for the future to both players in whatever paths they take.
Robert Craven www.thelittlegazette.com