Southend United vs. Torquay United – Preview

There is not an awful lot to play for as Blues host Torquay United in the final Nationwide League Division Three game of the season, and indeed indefinitely. When the Shrimpers line up to face their opening opposition on Saturday August 7th 2004, it will be as part of the Coca-Cola League Division Three, and it remains to be seen if Nationwide will rebid for the sponsorship once the new deal runs out.

Of course, it is of great relief that this match means nothing to the southeast Essex outfit, for as late as 21st February United found themselves second-bottom of the Football League with only Carlisle United buffering them from the 92nd position in the table. Now, under the guidance of Steve Tilson and Paul Brush, the campaign petering out into mid-table mediocrity is a relief.

There could, as mentioned, be that one small aspect left to play for, with Cheltenham Town and Brostol Rovers needing to do no better than draw their final fixtures for a Southend three-pointer to haul them into the coveted twelvth position. And if there are two other small objectives they would be to complete the campaign with more points than last season’s 54 (the current total) and to finish above East London ‘rivals’ Leyton Orient, who lie one point and three places adrift at the moment.

So, no matter how much the club market the day as a Blues Family Bonanza Day, it is unlikely to create much above the usual interest for a Third Division game in terms of on the field action. The Cheeky Girls, world-reknowned opera singer Russell Watson (no doubt singing that song from Italia ’90 again) and Lucinda ‘Who The F*ck Are You?’ Rhodes will strut their stuff for the youngsters before the game, the first team will do a lap of honour for the ever-loyal (and next season ever-more-loyal) Shrimpers supporters after the clash. And then we will await 2004/5.

For our visitors from Devon, the game takes on much-more significance. For should Torquay achieve a better result than third-placed Huddersfield Town do away to Cheltenham Town, then it will be the Gulls that play Division Two football next year. Based on the respective displays of the two teams against Southend, both sides should be confident of progressing through the play-offs should they miss out tomorrow afternoon.

The last couple of matches for the Shrimpers have largely been uneventful affairs, and once the Holy Grail of tenth place was out of the question following last week’s 1-1 draw at Rochdale, the season has completely faded into obscurity. That is not to say that wherever the club finish will not be a huge achievement for the management duo of Tilson and Brush, and that the players will not deserve the applause of the crowd for their reaching of the club’s first national cup final against Blackpool in Cardiff in March. Just that next season is now the main focus point.

The Southend side that started against Rochdale is unlikely to be changed, save for Mark Warren, who may not have recovered from an ankle injury quick enough to replace Lewis Hunt, who came on for him as a substitute at Spotland. Darryl Flahavan should start in goal, newly-contracted Duncan Jupp at right-back, Nicky Nicolau plays his last match before returning to Arsenal (he may be back dependent on what magic Tilson can wave) and Leon Cort goes into his 58th game of the season, missing just one through injury.

In midfield, missing Mark Gower, Carl Pettefer, Jay Smith and Michael Kightly, Jimmy Corbett and Leon Constantine are likely to be handed starts on the flanks, with the latter searching for the goals that will outst Scunthorpe United’s Steven MacLean as the top goalscorer for 2004/5 in Division Three. Southend supporters will hope that it will not be his last for the club. Club captain Kevin Maher needs a new deal, and will undoubtedly be offered one, Mark Bentley does not as his midfield partner.

And finally up front. Lawrie Dudfield will hope to net his first Roots Hall goal in two months when he plays alongside Tesfaye Bramble, who still has a year to run on his deal, even though it could be terminated by mutual consent. Michael Husbands is another waiting to get his chance on the sidelines and Drewe Broughton could not line up in a reserve game in midweek because it didn’t happen. Steven Clark, Neil Jenkins, Che Wilson, Jamie Stuart and Ryan Robinson would all hope for a chance to impress; they won’t all get one. And then it’s on to the contract dealings and pre-season fixtures. So long 2003/4, bring on 2004/5!

LIKELY SQUADS

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com

**TLG’s usual, revamped, constantly-improving preview network will return in 2004/5**