The Shrimpers have not lost an opening day clash since 12th August 1995, when a brace from Andy Thomson failed to register even a draw against now-Premiership Portsmouth at Fratton Park in Division One of the Football League, Pompey running out 4-2 winners with current Blues boss Steve Tilson rounding off their win with an own goal. 
Last season, in tropical conditions, Cheltenham Town were seen off by two Mark Gower goals to nil, but that was as far as Steve Wignall’s ‘Indian Summer’ went – he registered just three more League victories before his sacking on November 3rd.
This time, of course, the Seasiders will contest the dubious Coca-Cola Football Championship League Two title, and after both opening and concluding the 2003/4 campaign at home, it will be the Robins again that provide the opposition at Roots Hall.
With Colchester United once again a division above the Shrimpers, East London side Leyton Orient are the only rivals for United in the basement division, and, with just a 500 allocation for the clash at Brisbane Road due to redevelopment at the Matchroom Stadium, Tuesday 7th December 2004 is the date for Blues fans to try and get their hands on limited numbers of tickets. Meanwhile, Southend host the O’s on Saturday April 16th 2005 and will be hoping not to net any own goals for the Londoners.
In the past two seasons, Blues have travelled to Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium on Boxing Day. Two years ago, Mark Rawle netted Southend’s strike in a 1-1 draw before moving on to Oxford United in the summer. Last season, Leon Constantine was Southend’s hero as he netted against the U’s, but after topping the scoring charts, he has since departed for Peterborough United. This year, the festive fixture list pits the Seasiders against Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on December 26th and Rushden & Diamonds at the Hall on New Years Day.
That is as much as we are able to reproduce, but for a full list of Southend United’s matches in 2004/5, visit the club’s official site at www.southendunited.co.uk and remember that for the best coverage of every Shrimpers first-team, reserve, Under-18 and Under-16 matches next season, www.thelittlegazette.com is the place to click.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com