Having routed Second Division Queens Park Rangers by four goals to nil on the 20th January, Southend will now face local rivals Colchester United in a match already being billed as the ‘Championship of Essex’ decider. The dates for the two matches were announced on the 21st January:
First Leg:
Second Leg: Roots Hall, Southend –
Ticketing information for the fixture has yet to be released, but it is anticipated that Colchester will be allocated, as ever, the North Bank at Roots Hall, holding somewhere in the region of 2,700 fans, whilst travelling Shrimpers will be handed the Layer Road End, which is split into two terraces, and holds between 800 and 1000 supporters in the 7,555-capacity ground. There are also 196 seats available normally for big matches to away fans, but talks continue between the two clubs and Essex Police.
With the clashes expected to be all-ticket, the next question to many supporters will be ‘How do I get a ticket for the matches?’. On Friday 23rd January, Southend United announced the following details:
Away leg: tickets on sale to season ticket holders from 1:00p.m. on Tuesday 27th January 2004, prices £13 and £7 standing and £16 and £9 seating. Tickets must be collected in person and with the surrender of voucher 'D' from the season ticket booket. The remainder of tickets go on general sale on Thursday 29th January 2004 at 9:30a.m.
Home leg: tickets go on sale to season ticket holders and stub holders from the York City match on Saturday 31st January 2004 between 9:30a.m. and 12:00p.m. Season ticket holder's seats will be reserved until Saturday 7th February 2004. The remainder of tickets go on sale on Wednesday February 4th 2004 at 9:30a.m.
Colchester United 7/4 favourites
Southend United 6/1 outsiders
And finally, we have learnt that Colchester United will be producing a special one-off programme for the first leg of the clash. We can only hope Southend United do likewise – if you need any help you know where we are!...
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com