Story Of The Season - Part IV - October
Last updated : 14 June 2002 By Mark Wallis
 | Webb Out... |
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October got off to a miserable start for everyone, with a Friday night trip to Torquay United. Your Editor never made it to Plainmoor due to severe delays on the M4 which led to a near 50-mile traffic standstill, the Supporters Club coach, leaving specially early in order to enjoy a whole day in the Devon resort, arrived on the Riviera at half time. On the pitch Carl Hutching's free kick was not enough for United as Torquay sealed a 2-1 victory.Rob Newman was once again in control at Plainmoor on a temporary basis, but four days later, as United clocked up a 6-0 friendly victory over Ware, Newman was given hope of a permanent job as manager David Webb announced his resignation. It was at Roots Hall against Swansea City that Newman began his bid, and he could have few complaints as two Kevin Maher penalties, plus further strikes from Tes Bramble and Barrington Belgrave saw the Shrimpers seal a 4-2 victory, and just two days later, on a mild Monday night, United were in the business of scoring four again. Mark Rawle, Bramble and Hutchings putting Southend 3-0 up within 25 minutes at Stevenage Borough in the First Round of the LDV Vans Trophy, and despite Jean Miguel Sigere pulling a goal back for the Conference side, Daniel Webb netted a fourth for the Shrimpers late on.
 | ...Newman In. |
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Mark Rawle's looping header gave United the lead within fifteen minutes at York City, but Southend couldn't hold onto their advantage, slipping to a 2-1 defeat after substitute Jason Harris somehow fired wide of a gaping goal in the closing stages. A Tuesday night match at Glanford Park against Scunthorpe United brought even less luck, with Martin Carruthers inevitably betting an Iron opener before Peter Beagrie sealed a 2-0 victory in what was Rob Newman's first match as full-time boss, signing a two-year deal.Carl Hutchings slamed the Shrimpers into the lead within 80 seconds against Kidderminster Harriers at Roots Hall, it proved to be the only goal of the game before United's month finished with disappointment, crashing out of the LDV Vans Trophy at the second hurdle with a 2-0 Roots Hall defeat at the hands of Bristol City.
Mark Wallis
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