Leyton Orient have been in the process of demolishing two stands at Brisbane Road for the past few months, and hope to have the process completed by the start of the 2005/6 campaign. In the mean time, however, the O’s have a reduced capacity of just 4,912 at the Matchroom Stadium, and as a result, United have been limited to 500 tickets for the clash.
The Main Stand will house the smaller contingent of Shrimpers supporters, which nonetheless outnumbers the number that travel to most away matches in a season. However, as part of the season ticket holders priority scheme, a draw is necessary to deem just who will be going to east London. Tickets have been set at the following prices – adults £16 and concessions £10.
If you wish to be entered into the draw, please send voucher B from your season ticket, with your name and address on the back, to Southend United Football Club, no later than Friday 12th November 2004. The draw will be made on Monday 15th November, the day of the Essex Senior Cup third round tie with Brentwood Town. Any remaining tickets will go on general sale on Monday 29th November.
Meanwhile, another draw, for the first round of the FA Cup, takes place at Soho Square at five o’clock on Saturday afternoon, with John’s Aldridge and Scales picking the balls out of the mechanical bag. Last year, it was the first round replay with Canvey Island that necessitated a draw to see who would go to Park Lane.
Southend United have been numbered 39, whilst other clubs to watch out for as potential local clashes are as follows: Colchester United 14, Leyton Orient 22, Billericay Town (or Flackwell Heath) 63, Canvey Island (or Hallen) 66, Dagenham & Redbridge (or Crawley Town) 68, Hornchurch (or Gravesend & Northfleet) 69, Braintree Town (or Exeter City) 70, Thurrock (or Spalding United) 75.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com