Gilbert: 'It didn't go our way and we're devastated to have lost'
it was Shrimpers left-back Peter Gilbert who gave the Shrews the chance to open the scoring at the Greenhous Meadow Saturday when referee Whitestone decided his challenge on Shrews striker James Collins was worthy of a spot-kick.
Something that video evidence seems to point was a poor decision, and the former Sheffield Wednesday defender agrees.
Gilbert told www.echo-news.co.uk: “It was pretty soft and I think the referee was looking to give them something after sending off their player in the first half. In truth I didn't even see their player because he was behind me and the cross got deflected away from me but it didn't go our way and we're devastated to have lost."
If the match official did make errors, the sending off as well, it was Southend who were the victims in the long run, ten men for sure, but it didn't cost a goal and a home crowd baying for blood, we've all been there! (To be fair, I thought the ref got the Cansdell-Sherriff/Dickinson clash of heads incident spot on.)
All in all though it's hard to justify we deserved anything from such a poor performance by the Shrimpers, (EEB's MOM?; keeper Glenn Morris, with 6!), of whom Blues boss Paul Sturrock must take some responsibility with some strange selection decisions, before and during the game.
Anyway, it's history now, bring on Di Canio, wherever he may be watching the game, and the Wiltshire Robins Tuesday week, a mouth watering clash which could shape the rest of Southend's season.
Catch the action from the Beeb: http://news.bbc.co.uk
For the rest of the League Two action: http://news.bbc.co.uk
For the S24 report on Shrews v Shrimpers, with player markings: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Dickinson maybe not cut out for diplomacy: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Discuss the game here: http://boards.footymad.net
The Shrews faithful speak: http://blueandamber.proboards.com
Caught live, the Di Canio rant!: http://news.bbc.co.uk
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