As predicted by TLG, if Lee could get one there would be another on the way, but even we could only look on in amazement at his stunning strike in the 85th minute which set Southend up for their third away win on the trot and give them an outside shot at the top six.
In fact, he may have had a hat-trick having an effort ruled out for off-side in first half stoppage time.
Oh Lord, Lee Barnard indeed!
Blues boss Steve Tilson decided to start with the same eleven that began the weekend win over Walsall and place Jean- Francois Christophe, who was available again after a one match suspension, on the bench. A brave call that proved correct.
Meanwhile, Seagulls manager Russell Slade has a mountain to climb if he is going to steer Brighton & Hove Albion clear of relegation trouble.
The former Yeovil chief suffered his second successive defeat since taking charge against in-form Southend.
Brighton let in a late winner at relegation rivals Leyton Orient on Saturday. They conceded twice in the closing stages this time to slump to an eighth league defeat out of ten at home.
Southend were the better side in the first half and deservedly went ahead in the 23rd minute.
A cross shot from Alan McCormack was pawed away by keeper Mikkel Andersen, making his home debut for Brighton on loan from Reading.
Theo Robinson then fed the ball back across the face of goal for Lee Barnard to slot his sixth goal of the season and first since October.
It could have been worse for Brighton a few minutes later, Robinson volleying over from a chip forward by Anthony Grant.
They capitalized on that let-off to level just before the break through another of their five home debutants.
Lloyd Owusu, borrowed from Cheltenham, thumped in a header from a cross by fellow loanee Gary Borrowdale.
That's about all I can tell you, including if the off-side decision was a good call, as anybody who has been to the away end at the Withdean Stadium will know how difficult it is to see anything in the far half of the pitch!
A surprise greeted the Southend faithful when the teams returned for the second half when a knee injury to Steve Mildenhall meant Ian Joyce took his place in goal for only his second appearance.
The home side certainly got more into the game and French winger Seb Carole hit a post early on.
But their habit of letting in late goals came back to haunt them again as Barnard curled in a beauty from outside the box with five minutes to go.
Cue joyful Shrimpers who had been in good voice throughout the game, many standing as the seats hadn't dried out from the afternoon downpours!
Midfielder Macca, who put in his usual amount of hard work, came off for Christophe just after the hour with an injured groin.
Robinson, our Watford loanee, then converted Kevin Betsy's cross from close range a minute from time to make certain of Southend's seventh win out of nine and maintain our slim hopes of a play-off place.
And we still win everytime Theo scores as well!
Tilly was overjoyed of course and you can read his post match reaction here:
www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~1585279,00.html
In fact, he may have had a hat-trick having an effort ruled out for off-side in first half stoppage time.
Oh Lord, Lee Barnard indeed!
Blues boss Steve Tilson decided to start with the same eleven that began the weekend win over Walsall and place Jean- Francois Christophe, who was available again after a one match suspension, on the bench. A brave call that proved correct.
Meanwhile, Seagulls manager Russell Slade has a mountain to climb if he is going to steer Brighton & Hove Albion clear of relegation trouble.
The former Yeovil chief suffered his second successive defeat since taking charge against in-form Southend.
Brighton let in a late winner at relegation rivals Leyton Orient on Saturday. They conceded twice in the closing stages this time to slump to an eighth league defeat out of ten at home.
Southend were the better side in the first half and deservedly went ahead in the 23rd minute.
A cross shot from Alan McCormack was pawed away by keeper Mikkel Andersen, making his home debut for Brighton on loan from Reading.
Theo Robinson then fed the ball back across the face of goal for Lee Barnard to slot his sixth goal of the season and first since October.
It could have been worse for Brighton a few minutes later, Robinson volleying over from a chip forward by Anthony Grant.
They capitalized on that let-off to level just before the break through another of their five home debutants.
Lloyd Owusu, borrowed from Cheltenham, thumped in a header from a cross by fellow loanee Gary Borrowdale.
That's about all I can tell you, including if the off-side decision was a good call, as anybody who has been to the away end at the Withdean Stadium will know how difficult it is to see anything in the far half of the pitch!
A surprise greeted the Southend faithful when the teams returned for the second half when a knee injury to Steve Mildenhall meant Ian Joyce took his place in goal for only his second appearance.
The home side certainly got more into the game and French winger Seb Carole hit a post early on.
But their habit of letting in late goals came back to haunt them again as Barnard curled in a beauty from outside the box with five minutes to go.
Cue joyful Shrimpers who had been in good voice throughout the game, many standing as the seats hadn't dried out from the afternoon downpours!
Midfielder Macca, who put in his usual amount of hard work, came off for Christophe just after the hour with an injured groin.
Robinson, our Watford loanee, then converted Kevin Betsy's cross from close range a minute from time to make certain of Southend's seventh win out of nine and maintain our slim hopes of a play-off place.
And we still win everytime Theo scores as well!
Tilly was overjoyed of course and you can read his post match reaction here:
www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~1585279,00.html
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