Duffers Marks Out Of Ten

GK |Darryl Flahavan | Mins on pitch: 90 | Goals Conceded: 0 | Rating: 8

Darryl was on top form today, pulling off numerous saves. Former Woking stopper Flahavan may have looked a little bit shaky with crosses – something almost unheard of this season – but his acrobatic save early on in the game to deny Kris Commons was Flavs at his very best. Although Darryl wasn’t exactly bombarded with shots on goal, he didn’t parry any shots at all, catching everything confidently first time – what more can you ask for from a goalkeeper?

So, Hunt continues to play well at right back. There has certainly been an vast improvement from the young defender over the past year or two and it is clear now that Lewis is more than comfortable at this level. Although Hunt didn’t really have too many problems with Forest’s left winger, he didn’t give possession away and was very calm on the ball. Hunt’s biggest contribution to the game was undoubtedly a couple of minutes before Southend’s goal, when Welsh international Gareth Taylor had broke clear of the defence, a goal looked certain until the former Derby man raced back and helped the ball back to Darryl. A game-changing moment some might say.

Solid would be the word for Eagle today. Whilst not being the most creative whilst in possession of the ball, Edwards still managed to keep the prolific David Johnson quiet and there was never a question of who was going to win a header out of the two. Like Southend’s recent form, Eagle hasn’t faltered and is proving to be a new player this season.

A good display from Adam once again, as his partenership with Andy Edwards continues to blossom. Barrett was his usual self – blocking anything that came his way, as well as preventing the highly rated Jack Lester from even getting a shot on target. However, Barrett’s strength and determination in the 81^st minute ensured the ball reached Freddy Eastwood for the only goal of the match – a rare assist from the Basildon born centre back.

Che did very well today. He had a tough task in trying to mark goalscoring right-winger Kris Commons, but he worked hard and eventually came out on top. Like Lewis Hunt, Wilson was often comfortable on the ball and didn’t mind coming foraward to support the build up play down the left-hand side. Despite not having much support from Mitchell Cole at times, Wilson handled most attacks well and deserves credit from this performance.

Tough tackling Bentley was a vital component for victory. His hard tackling approach certainly met the challenge Forest players were looking for, and perhaps if he hadn’t have put himself about the result may have been different. Like Barrett, Bentley played a major part in the goal, heading the ball back into the penalty area from the far post.

Led the side well indeed. Maher may have not performed in a game like this a few years ago, but was desperate to perform well and he did. Always urging his team-mates to hold onto possession, Maher was the ideal captain – encouraging and battling for his side, wherever a tackle was contested Kev was not far away. Moreover, It was yet another cross from the former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international that led to the Blues winning goal.

MOTM: Where was Luke Guttridge on Sunday 10^th October? Everywhere! The former Cambridge midfielder must have taken on twenty packs of energy tablets before the game, as he must have been involved in every single tackle the midfield had to deal with. Not to mention his positioning. One minute the lively 22-year-old would be on the edge of his own penalty area intercepting an attack, the next, he would be screaming for the ball inside the Nottingham Forest 18-yard-box. If Guttridge can play like that every week, there will soon be Championship, or maybe even Premiership clubs knocking on the door to sign him.

Not too bad from the former Grays winger, despite only gaining a 6.5. Don’t be fooled, Cole didn’t have a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, but he just struggled to get service however when he did he usually won a corner, especially in the first half. When coming off after 75 minutes to be replaced by Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Cole was given a standing ovation from the crowd, which proves that even when he is not having a blinder the Southend fans still enjoy seeing his name on the teamsheet.

The Goat will play better games for the Shrimpers. The work rate was present from the Bermudian international, however his touch and finishing ability were not. However, this is probably the only game of Goater’s season so far where he has failed to impress, and it will be better next week I am sure.

A hard working effort if ever I saw one. Wayne certainly used his pace to impress the Sky cameras, often chasing up lost causes or to simply apply some pressure on the Forest defence. Gray had the odd chance - he shot wide in the first half – but he never let the Nottingham defence rest and they were probably exhausted by the time Wayne was substituted with fifteen minutes to spare.

Instantly gave the team some additional flair that had been lacking until he stepped onto the pitch. Eastwood seemed desperate to score; so much so that he shot wide after some superb control when he probably should have crossed it. Eastwood scuffed another chance as well, but was in the right place at the right time once again to smash home that crucial goal that meant eight wins out of eight, and one goal in fifteen minutes isn’t a bad return at all is it?

Came on at the same time as Eastwood, but sadly didn’t quite make the same impression. At a time when the Blues’ needed to keep hold of the ball, Campbell-Ryce wanted to take people on – which is understandable considering his pace, but United had scored the goal they needed a more defensive player would have been more appropriate.

By Adam Duffill
www.thelittlegazette.com

Duffers Marks Out Of Ten

Last updated : 10 October 2005 By Adam Duffill