Blues have been awarded extra media coverage over the past twelve months, culminating of course in Terry Alderton’s publicity-seeking signature as emergency goalkeeping cover when Bart Griemink was injured and Darryl Flahavan suspended for the table-topping clash with Swansea City.
As well as that match against the Gulls, shown live on SKY Sports and then the feature of extended highlights on BBC One’s Match of the Day programme later that evening, a fate that befell the 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat to Scarborough at the McCain Stadium, United were, of course, the main attraction in their first national cup final at the Millennium Stadium in March against Blackpool in the finale of the LDV Vans Trophy.
Southend, who would have been the subject of yet more live FA Cup coverage against Chelsea in round four had they not lost to the Seadogs, and Luton Town, with both sides near the pinnacle of their respective divisions, represents a mouth-watering encounter for Roots Hall, and SKY have rightfully chosen that the match will now take place on Friday 12th November 2004, with a 7:45 p.m. kick-off.
The Hatters were shown drawing to Conference South side Thurrock on a Friday night last year, and the Seasiders will be hoping to prove more tricky opposition this time around. Ticket prices for the match have been set at £15 for adults and £5 for concessions, and go on sale for six days to season ticket holders exclusively tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.
It represents a seventh home Friday night match for Southend, who will pocket £75,000 for the privilege. And it means more match coverage for TLG, who will now be on the road to Gillingham to watch the Under-18s in action on Saturday 13th November.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com