THE MATCH REVIEW: Southend v Brighton

Last updated : 09 April 2008 By Thurrock Blue
On the trek round from Teddington the radio was filled with tales of "big games" in the Champions League - I don't think I would be wrong in saying I was not the only one who really couldn't care less. The game that mattered was at Roots Hall we faced a Brighton side who knew they needed to win to keep their play off dreams alive and all three points meant our season was almost certainly going to be extended by at least two games.

Even the A127 was kind to me and following on from our impressive form I really couldn't see us losing this one. This mood was further helped by the fact that Brightons keeper seemed more intent on flapping around like an air traffic controller and especially when Mark Gower set his sights on goal early doors (You can tell how Gower is going to be in the first five mins- if they're poor it wont get much better, if they're good it'll be a good day) and after his amazing run he let loose a finish worthy of winning us promotion let alone calming down any early nerves. Southend's second was courtesy of Mr Southend himself Captain fantastic Adam Barrett and a super finish from over 25 yards out which Kuipers wouldn't have saved even if he wasn't still flapping from an earlier corner

In a similar way to Saturday we did all the simple things right and with a 2 goal lead going into the second half only those of a severe nervous disposition would ever think about us losing. We had further chances to wrap it up with Super Nick being denied by the flapping one but with Northampton to come to the Hall on Saturday we've got to be happy with three points and the fact that Forest slipped up at home.
Mathematically its still possible - realistically its a two legged affair with Forest which we will (as far as I'm concerned) win and bring on Leeds at Wembley!

THE MARKS

Flavs - 7; Not that much to do, solid game.

Francis - 8; The fella looks quality and the beard continues to grow.

Barrett - 8; What a goal and showed everyone who was boss. Mr Southend was simply quality.

Clarke - 7; Did the job he needed to do and did it well. Quality flick for Mr Southend's goal did he really need to get himself booked though.

Mulgrew - 7; This fella gets better and better did his job well and some blinding deliveries for the ever flapping Kuipers to have a go at.

Black - 6; Not his best game was it but I'm not gonna moan.

Macca - 8; Does this bloke ever stop running - he would run through a wall if it meant him winning the ball back simply class.

Bailey - 8; Another class act from someone who should havd been League One player of the year if you ask me. Unlucky not to score.

GOWER - 9; Marky G - When he wants to turn it on he does and last night he did cracking goal and superb game.

Walker - 7; Quiet night for both strikers by their standards but steady enough.

Barnard - 7; Dont think it helped that he was constantly being wrestled by the Brighton defence but as above steady.

Subs:

Grant - 7; Didnt have much time to do anything but what he did do was good.

Revell - 6; The game everyone wanted him to score in - he didnt dont shout at me but is this man the new Matty H?

McDonald - 6; If he was given more than 30 seconds then perhaps he could contribute good header at end needs more time on pitch, loan spell elsewhere potentially?