Story Of The Season - Part II - August - Shrimpers24

Brave goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan was outstanding all month.

Having made a further recruitment to his squad, Dean Holness signed a three month deal, manager David Webb managed to lure summer contract rebel Carl Hutchings back to the Club in time for the opening day encounter with Darlington. Right back Martyn Booty had however moved in the opposite direction, joining second division Chesterfield on a free transfer. Booty didn't get off the the best of starts at Saltergate, scoring an own goal in a disatrous 6-3 home reverese to Colchester United.

Both Hutchings and Holness featured in Blues stating line-up against Darlington. United, with Daniel Webb and Tony Richards leading the line started brightly but matters were not helped mid-way through the first half ehen Royston-based referee Keith Hill bizarrely sent-off Damon Searle for violent conduct following a tussle with ex-Shrimper Barry Conlon who appeared to be the main culprit in the incident. Southend however managed to keep their cool and inspired performances by players such as Darryl Flahavan - bravely returning to action just six days after his brothers death - kept Darlington at bay and it was ten minutes from time that the Shrimpers got their reward, a superb curling shot from substitute Mark Rawle culminating in the only goal of the game.

David Webb's men hit the road for the first time seven days later with a trip to the new-look Field Mill to take on Mansfield Town.

Phil Whelan hides his face after his incredible own goal at Birmingham City.

Mansfield were a far better side than Darlington, and on their own pitch the almost entirely controlled the match. In the United goal however Flahavan was simply world class, keeping out absolutely everything that the home side threw at him. As a result Southend escaped with a point from a goalless draw.

For the second successive season United crashed out of the Worthington Cup to First Division Birmingham City at the first attempt. This time United fell 3-0, former Shrimpers striker Tommy Mooney opening the scoring from close range early on before Phil Whelan's incredible own goal gave United a mountain to climb. Flahavan however was on top of his game once more - had it not been for him the score could have been embarrassing - but he couldn't quite keep out Mooney's final minute penalty after Leon Cort had been sent-off for handling the ball on the line. Mark Rawle also saw red in injury time for a second booking as United left the field with just nine men.

A hot, sunny Saturday afternoon brought Halifax Town to Roots Hall, and on the rebound from two matches without a goal the Shrimpers got back to winning ways, Tony Richards set United on their way with a superb full volley from the edge of the area on the stroke of half time. Leon Johnson lobbed in a second to double United's advantage ten minutes after the interval but Neil Redfearn's openalty brought the Yorkshire side back into the match. Daniel Webb looped in a third before Richards' sublime final minute chip sealed a great 4-1 victory for the Shrimpers. Absent from Roots Hall however was manager David Webb, told to take a break by his Doctor with suspected heart problems. His Assistant, Rob Newman took control of affairs.

Tony Richards grabbed a brace against Halifax Town.

Unbeaten in their first three matches, Southend, again led by Rob Newman, knew victory at Luton Town on August Bank Holiday Monday, would see them climb to the summit of Division Three. Referee Joe Ross controversally dismissed striker Mark Rawle early on but the London official later redeemed himself, awarding United a penalty after Town goalkeeper Carl Emberson had brought down Tes Bramble. Kevin Maher however wasted the opportunity, scuffing a poorly taken kick straight at the relieved Emberson. It began to become apparent to the 1,000 travelling Shrimpers that it was not going to be United's afternoon, as it was two late goals gave the home side victory.

To Be Continued...

Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com

Story Of The Season - Part II - August

Last updated : 01 May 2002 By Mark Wallis