Southend United vs. Swindon Town- Preview

Last updated : 25 January 2005 By Matt Donohue

Some Southend followers have expressed there feelings on the LDV Vans trophy and saying how it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if the Blues were eliminated from the competition and could then concentrate on the League. However if Southend were to be knocked out of the competition, I am sure that all involved with the club would be gutted with the elimination. After all, who could forget the game at this stage of the competition last year? Southend beat Division 2 (now League 1) highfliers QPR by a massive four goals to nil. All of the scorers that night, Leon Constantine, Drewe Broughton (2) and Steven Clark are not currently with the club, but without doubt, the 2003/2004 ‘spirit of the LDV’ lives on.

One survivor of last years LDV run is goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan who is set to keep his place ahead of Farnborough loanee Craig Holloway after Flahavan’s superb performance on Saturday against Mansfield Town. Flahavan has in fact featured in every single one of the LDV Vans games Southend have played in during the last two years keeping three clean sheets in the process. One LDV game that Flavs will want to erase from his memory is the first round of the competition in 2002, ironically against Swindon Town. Southend lost six goals to one that night and Flahavan was strongly criticised after that match. Flahavan’s main competitor for the goalkeeping place Bart Griemink at the moment played for Swindon in this fixture.

The Southend defense is set to stay the same as Saturday’s game with Hunt, Barrett, Prior and Wilson all keeping their place in the defensive quartet. All these players appear to be creating a comfortable rapport at the back line and there seems to be a good link when defending. Hunt and Wilson played last season in the trophy and therefore they will understand the importance of the game. Another survivor of the 2004 Cardiff run, Duncan Jupp is set to stay on the substitutes bench as cover for any of the defenders.

Nicky Nicolau who signed one game too late feature in any of Southend’s LDV games last season will carry on in his left midfield position, an area of the field that he is now more than comfortable with. The other wing is set to be filled with equally attacking player Mark Gower who proved to be the creative and goal scoring player on Saturday as he earned a point for Southend. The middle of midfield is likely to continue to include Carl Pettefer and Kevin Maher.

Captain Maher, has had his best games for Southend in the LDV Vans trophy, especially in the derby matches against Colchester. The Shrimpers will be looking for ‘Captain Fantastic’ to inspire them to another victory.

It is unpredictable what forward line Steve Tilson will send out, although it is expected that Tesfaye Bramble will start on the bench. Despite Bramble, not impressing in recent matches Tes does have the ability to turn it on for the big cup matches and has already scored in the Trophy this season, against local rivals Colchester. On the flip side it is expected that Freddy Eastwood will start the game despite not scoring since the Blues faced Kidderminster away on 3rd January. Who his partner is Tilly’s real selection problem. Wayne Gray and Lawrie Dudfield have done equally well this season. Gray has linked up with Eastwood very well this season although recent form suggests Dudfield will take a place in the side. I personally think that Tilson will go with Gray due to Dudfield looking a little tired at the end of the game against Mansfield Town. This is one of the better problems Tilson has been faced with since being in charge of Southend.

The man in the middle of the two teams is Nottinghamshire based official Phil Joslin. Joslin officiated the Blues last year at the Memorial Stadium against Bristol Rovers. Southend drew 1-1 that day with Mark Gower getting the goal. Graham Horwood and Essex based Gary Ives will join Joslinas assistant referees for the match. Ives ran the line for the Essex Senior Cup match last week against Canvey Island.

The visitors to Roots Hall Swindon are expected to be without leading scorer Sam Parkin who will probably drop to the bench making space for the forward line of Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jamie Slabber and Rory Fallon. Fallon who scored against Brighton in the playoff semi finals as Swindon got knocked out, will be looking to make up for that disappointment and getting Swindon a place at Cardiff.

The Robin’s midfield is likely to comprise of right-sided danger man Sammy Igoe who has scored on four occasions this season and is a player to look out for. Former Everton trainee Sean O’Hanlon will join him in the midfield along with Stef Miglioranzi who will compete in the midfield with former Portsmouth team mate Carl Pettefer. Left sided midfielder Brian Howard also used to ply his trade in Hampshire but with Portsmouth’s rivals Southampton. Howard is also set to start.

Nineteen year old Luke Gerrard will probably line up in the right back having appeared in a number of cup competitions this year and playing twice in the LDV Vans Trophy. Travelled veteran and former Premiership defender Alan Reeves and former Watford trainee Jerel Ifil will play at the heart of defence. If fit Andrew Nicholas will play in the left back position however David Duke will cover if needed. Steve Book will keep goal.

Southend will be looking to avenge recent defeats against Swindon in the LDV Vans Trophy in 2002 and in the Carling Cup in 2003. On the second occasion Southend had good opportunities to win the game however Swindon prevailed. However Swindon players will be looking to provide their supporters something to cheer about as they have had a less than satisfactory season after almost gaining promotion last term. A very interesting game is expected as Southend will be looking to defend their title of Football League Associate Members Southern Champions.

Probable Teams

Southend United – The Shrimpers

GK Darryl Flahavan
RB Lewis Hunt
LB Che Wilson
CB Spencer Prior
CB Adam Barrett
RM Mark Gower
LM Nicky Nicolau
CM Carl Pettefer
CM Kevin Maher
FC Freddy Eastwood
FC Lawrie Dudfield

SB Craig Holloway
SB Ducan Jupp
SB Mark Bentley
SB Wayne Gray
SB Tesfaye Bramble

Swindon Town- The Robins
GK Steve Book
RB Luke Gerrard
LB David Duke
CB Alan Reeves
CB Jerel Ifil
RM Sammy Igoe
LM Brain Howard
CM Sean O'Hanlon
CM Stef Miglioranzi
FC Jamie Slabber
FC Rory Fallon

SB Matthew Bullman
SB Andy Nicholas
SB Michael Pook
SB Grant Smith
SB Sam Parkin