Southend United vs. Bradford City – Preview

Lewis Hunt is in line for his first start of the season

The Bantams are unlikely to be involved in the play-off shake-up come the end of the season, but they nonetheless represent a tough challenge for Steve Tilson’s men in their bid to claim at least a draw from their first trip of 2005/6. Blues won just three matches on their travels on the way straight through the old Second Division in 1997/8, the last of those coming in March when they won 3-1 at Wigan Athletic.

Of course, that was a season in which United finished the season at the very bottom of the table, and they will be hoping that the bookmakers predictions of a similar end to this term are unfounded. In doing so, draws away against sides such as the Bantams, who are unbeaten against the Seasiders at Valley Parade, are essential at the very least.

Southend have begun the season with a 2-1 home defeat to Port Vale, and will face promotion candidates Huddersfield Town again at the Hall following the weekend’s clash away to Walsall. In order to overcome Bradford, and establish a foothold in proceedings, Tilson will have to galvanise his troops into something resembling the second half against the Valiants rather than the first, when the visitors were afforded far too much respect.

One of the most difficult decisions will concern who plays on the right-hand side of midfield. Luke Guttridge was selected in that position for the first game of the season after a fine pre-season, but he tucked inside too often and was shown up by Mark Gower once the former Barnet playmaker replaced him an hour into proceedings.

Whether Gower is fit enough to complete a full ninety minutes is a question only the north Londoner can answer, but his inspiration, setting up Wayne Gray for his acrobatic bicycle kick, was a missing link in the first period. If Gower is not ready, then 2004/5 ever-present Carl Pettefer may be included instead after being unfortunate to miss out first time around.

Guttridge could yet feature in the centre of midfield with such competition for places, with Mark Bentley struggling to overcome a knock picked up in the match against Norwich City. Kevin Maher, the club captain, is the only man absolutely assured of his starting spot, with Mitchell Cole still adapting to life in Coca-Cola League One after leaving Nationwide Conference side Grays Athletic.

In defence, Spencer Prior looks set to miss out after straining a calf in the 2-1 defeat to Vale. The former Manchester City man will be replaced by Lewis Hunt, with Andy Edwards set to be called up to the substitutes’ bench as cover. Hunt’s inclusion in the middle means that Duncan Jupp retains his place, with Che Wilson the only recognised left-back at the club.

Darryl Flahavan will keep his place ahead of Bart Griemink, whilst at the other end, barring the surprise of a first senior start for James Lawson, Gray will partner last season’s top goalscorer Freddy Eastwood once again. He scored a spectacular goal, but missed an easier opportunity to net at the end of the match at the weekend.

Bradford boss Colin Todd is likely to name an unchanged side for the fixture after a 2-0 success on Saturday at Hartlepool United, the defeated League One Play-Off finalists last season. Dean Windass was amongst the goals, and he was named in the Football League One Team of the Week. Bobby Petta is likely to be another danger man in the battle for points at Valley Parade.

The referee, Trevor Kettle, will come under the spotlight after being criticised on national television for his performance in the Coca-Cola Championship clash between Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening. Blues fans will remember Kettle, a former Army Officer, from his inadequate displays in the FA Cup ties will Canvey Island in 2003/4, when Mark Warren was sent off in the 3-2 win at Park Lane.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com