Drewe Broughton may be in line for a return

With East Thurrock United dismissed by seven goals to nil at Rookery Hill on Saturday, and Conference outfit Canvey Island brought in for a money-spinning venture on Monday evening, with United taking the spoils again by two goals to one, F.A. Cup finalists Millwall should be more difficult opponents for Steve Tilson’s men, and as a result he will abandon his fielding of two sides in different halves.

Much as Tilson may claim that his thoughts were solely based around fitness, the decision to haul off trialists Ben Surey and Matthew Judge and replace them with old head Spencer Prior and ‘roadrunner’ Michael Husbands was centred around an intent to emerge victorious from the match against the Islanders. However, as he revealed in his post-match interview, “I took the trialists off early to put some of the others on and I tried to get them back on later on but the ref wouldn’t let me. But they will get another chance to play”.

Three men who continue to sit out the Seasiders’ pre-season schedule are Jay Smith, who will continue to do fitness-based work alone before the start of the new campaign at any rate, Carl Pettefer and Lawrie Dudfield, who realistically will be hoping for a run-out come the clash with Brighton & Hove Albion a week today.

One front man hoping to come back into the team will be Drewe Broughton. The former Kidderminster Harriers man missed Monday evening’s tie with the Gulls through illness, but is expected to return to the fray tonight. As a result of his absence, Tesfaye Bramble had to complete a full ninety minutes, and although he did so satisfactorily, he would be most likely to make way for the hitman.

37-year-old Tilson has already decided that tonight will not be what he perceives to be his strongest line-up – for a start both ex-Portsmouth talent Pettefer and one-time Hull City front man Dudfield would both be included in that eleven – but some names are more likely to feature than others. Up front, Wayne Gray should be offered a starting role alongside Broughton, for instance, having thus far only appeared coming off of the substitutes’ bench.

In goal, Bart Griemink will probably handed the gloves as the first-choice shotstopper against higher division opposition, with Darryl Flahavan relegated to the bench. If Dennis Wise has done his homework, the Lions’ wide men would be pinging crosses into the penalty area from the left and the right at regular intervals should the former Woking custodian be named as the Shrimpers number one.

As part of the back four, returning hero Prior is likely to be awarded a start to appease his position as a senior trialist. If he were to perform well again this evening, Ron Martin would be placed under enormous pressure to open his cheque-book and sign the comfortable central defender. Alongside him, Tilson will make a decision as to whether to start with Adam Barrett, who has yet to line up with the local boy, or Andy Edwards, who played the second half alongside him two days ago.

Should Griemink be handed the goalkeeper’s jersey, Stuart Williams may be named at right-back. It was the 18-year-old’s difficulty in dealing with John Keeling that caused Flahavan so much trouble, but with the backing of a more confident shotstopper, the third-year scholar could be afforded another opportunity. First-choice left-back Nicky Nicolau came under severe pressure from Che Wilson after a fine display by the utility man on Monday.

In midfield, despite playing 74 minutes of the game against Canvey less than 48 hours ago, Kevin Maher is likely to be named as skipper in the centre of the park, with Lewis Hunt, who moved to partner him on that occasion, alongside him. Mark Bentley will be targeting his return to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday as his next appearance after turning his ankle against East Thurrock, whilst Surey would be named as a substitute.

Michael Husbands’ performance on the right-hand side so far in pre-season may have persuaded Tilson to hand him a starting role in that position, with Jimmy Corbett relegated to the substitutes’ bench. Mark Gower would be favourite to start the campaign on the left-hand side of midfield, so it will be important for the Wickford-based man to see him out there consistently, ahead of Michael Kightly, the young pretender.

The Lions from southeast London will be bringing a strong squad to Roots Hall, especially on account of a reserve side also playing a fixture tomorrow evening. Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack is on loan at the New Den all season, and a string of impressive displays have ousted number one Andy Marshall from that position, especially since the ex-Ipswich Town ‘keeper almost turned down a new contract offer.

Another notable inclusion should be Rayleigh-born but Colchester United-supporting forward Neil Harris, made famous by his career-threatening brush with testicular cancer, and a professional that most would model themselves on. Harris’ first game back from treatment was in a reserve fixture against Blues at Roots Hall two seasons ago. Other big names include Daniele Dichio, Matty Lawrence and Paul Ifill.

A reminder to both Southend and Millwall supporters using the A13 that sections of the Pitsea Flyover are closed and there are mammoth queues around the diversion route, so a far better bet – on paper at least – is the A127. That work is due to continue for four months. Lions’ fans will be seated in the North Bank, whilst only the East Stand is open to home supporters, with prices set at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions, whilst United will also unveil their brand new home kit this evening.

Predicted team line-ups:

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com