Dagenham & Redbridge v Southend United - Preview

Custodian Darryl Flahavan is in the team

For his part, Blues boss Rob Newman has put out a decent side considering the amount of fixtures that the first team and Reserves have had to play in recent weeks. The most important change from the second-string side that lost 4-1 to Swindon Town on Monday afternoon is in the goalkeeping position. Having missed a month of action after sustaining a groin injury in the 2-1 defeat at home to Scunthorpe United in late December, regular custodian Darryl Flahavan returns to the starting line-up. The Southampton-born shotstopper will be hoping to press his case for a permanent place in the side following Danny Gay's largely successful tenure in the spot.

The defence has a distinct lack of experience. Steve Tilson, a veteran of over 270 games for the Shrimpers and assistant boss is the most well-known face in there, but only in the past year has he taken up playing a left-back due to a lack of pace and knee surgery. Tom Jordan plays at the centre of defence, no doubt hoping to pressurise Newman into giving him the opportunity to take on Hull City on Saturday despite the arrival of 19-year-old Tottenham Hotspur player Stephen Kelly today. Partnering the tall centre-back is Jamie Gray, who scored the Seasiders goal in a 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth Reserves last Wednesday, and had a super game all round. At right-back is another scholar, Flory Zinga.

In front of Zinga is Anthony Clark, who has been a regular in the Reserve side for the past couple of seasons, and scored a goal in the Under-19s 3-3 draw away to table-topping Brentford at the weekend. In the centre, Newman names himself, as he did at Hornchurch in the fourth round, and captain Stuart Thurgood, who has fallen out of first-team contention after starting 39 games last season. On the left is England Under-20 international Neil Jenkins.

Up front, the manager names the regular second team duo of Barrington Belgrave and Mark Salter. The former Frome Town forward netted the consolation in the 4-1 reversal two days ago, whilst Belgrave is quickly beginning to try the patience of both management and fans alike with some extraordinary performances both on and off the field. On the bench, Danny Gay stands by in case Flahavan becomes uncomfortable, whilst youth team starlets Daryl Plummer, Michael Kightly and Joe Ilett also warm the bench.

Newman maintains that the Essex Senior Cup is a priority this season, and has put out strong sides all along. Admission for the fixture ranges from £2 to £6, and despite the failings of the Reserve side in recent weeks, get along and support the Blues as they look to reach the Semi-Finals for the first time in three years. Victory in this game could go a long way to deciding who wins the trophy in a few months time.

Southend United: Darryl Flahavan; Flory Kawu-Zinga, Tom Jordan, Jamie Gray, Steve Tilson; Anthony Clark, Rob Newman, Stuart Thurgood, Neil Jenkins; Barrington Belgrave, Mark Salter. Substitutes: Danny Gay, Daryl Plummer, Michael Kightly, Joe Ilett.

Dagenham & Redbridge (from): Paul Gothard, Tim Cole, James Quilter, Lee Goodwin, Tony Potts, Danny Hill, Jamie Murat, Mark Rooney, Glen Hill, Steve Vaughan, Kelechi Opara, Paul Terry, Mark Stein, Tom McGowan, Tony Roberts.

Gaffer Rob Newman takes his place in the side as he did at Bridge Avenue

Dagenham & Redbridge 5 (McDouglad 8, Shipp 37, West 42, Stein 55, 85) Barnet 1 (Agogu 67). Line-up: Tony Roberts (Paul Gothard 59); Tim Cole, Mark Smith, Lee Matthews, Ashley Vickers; Steve West (Steve Heffer 60), Danny Shipp, Paul Terry (Danny Hill 65), John McGrath; Mark Stein, Junior McDougald. Subs not used: Mark Rooney, Steve Vaughan.

LAST MEETING
Dagenham & Redbridge 6 (Shipp 4, Bird 2) Southend United 2 - Essex Senior Cup Semi-Final, 9th March 1998.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com