This game stank of an end of season nothing to play for, (in reality - we've guaranteed the play-offs and they've bit the bullet into League Two), so much so that the Port Vale kit man decided it would be a good idea to bring the Valiants away kit which is BLACK - and nothing else, (surely their home white kit would have been a good idea as a back up). So Vale came onto the pitch all apart from their keeper in OUR third shirts.
As we sat there it got worse and worse and it seemed like one of those testimonials where players go through their paces just to give the crowd a smile but can't really be arsed. I appreciate we did make a lot of changes bringing Hoops back after an excellent loan spell and starting him alongside Revell who I will moan about in more detail later. Kanu was also back from a spell out and the Moooose was given a starting place.
As the game went on, the more that the news from Carlisle, Cheltenham and Nottingham was a damn sight more interesting than the actual game itself - then it happened Vale had a free kick from just outside the area which David Mulligan looped into the goal past the shot stopping midget that is Darryl Flahavan.
The scores kept on coming through and we even managed to raise a little smile as the Southend Exiles took the lead against Leeds.
The second half was equally as bad as the first if we're honest even with the introduction of Player of The Year, (by a country mile in my eyes), Nicky Bailey. The man of the mike Brian had a bit of a mare reading out the subs, well I actually think he told Brushy what sub he should have made and took Revell off for Barney rather than Hoops but still. Revell reminds me of a non ginger Matt Harrold - yes he tries but what does he actually do except look annoyed with himself when he hooks a half volley from 12 yards out over the South stand and into the flats.
With 10 mins left the calvary arrived - not only did Southend actually look more affective with Barney/Bailey and Gower on, the Heavy mob in their Orange Jackets came down and flooded (once again) the front of the family stand awaiting our Millwall style onslaught onto the pitch no doubt. I still don't understand why with one game left to play at the Hall they'd not only think we'd try and invade it but the FAMILY STAND? - Anyway we finally managed to get a late "deserved" goal from the Cardiac kid himself James Walker who had a reasonable game but not his best.
The whistle went and we awaited our fate - the news went out that Forest had beaten Yeovil 3-1 meaning they were up automatically and that Donny lost so roll on Friday and its Donny at home. Certainly winnable and as Tilson said in a post match interview its certainly a lot closer than Carlisle.
Flahaven - 7; Nothing really to do except pick the ball out of the net - at least we didn't concede from a corner this week.
Mulgrew - 7; The whole testimonial thing - did his job well but at no high gears.
Francis - 7; Same as Charlie.
Clarke - 7; Did his job - won balls in the air - had a little mazu run and after being awarded goal of he season for his effort against Orient I expected a shot.
Barrett - 7; Mr Southend same as the rest of the back 4 did his job steady as ever.
Mooose - 7; Always good to see him get a game, what he did he did well.
Macca - 6; Not his best - saving the fiery side of himself for the next 2 I should imagine.
Walker - 7; He scored! Nice touches but is he a player that will keep us up in the Championship?
Robson-Kanu - 6 - Not much to do kept quiet.
Revell - 4; Sorry but what was Tilson/Brush doing taking Hoops off over this fella.
HOOPS - 7.5; Works his arse off everytime he pulls on the shirt - he tried over and over again to create chances. It will come let's just give him a chance.
SUBS: Bailey - 7 (for McCormack 46mts.); A lot better than anything Macca had to offer.
Gower - 7 (for Robson-Kanu 62mts.); Looked dangerous - good touches on the ball.
Barney - 7 (for Hooper 66mts.); Was always going to throw himself into it - saving himself though I think.
As we sat there it got worse and worse and it seemed like one of those testimonials where players go through their paces just to give the crowd a smile but can't really be arsed. I appreciate we did make a lot of changes bringing Hoops back after an excellent loan spell and starting him alongside Revell who I will moan about in more detail later. Kanu was also back from a spell out and the Moooose was given a starting place.
As the game went on, the more that the news from Carlisle, Cheltenham and Nottingham was a damn sight more interesting than the actual game itself - then it happened Vale had a free kick from just outside the area which David Mulligan looped into the goal past the shot stopping midget that is Darryl Flahavan.
The scores kept on coming through and we even managed to raise a little smile as the Southend Exiles took the lead against Leeds.
The second half was equally as bad as the first if we're honest even with the introduction of Player of The Year, (by a country mile in my eyes), Nicky Bailey. The man of the mike Brian had a bit of a mare reading out the subs, well I actually think he told Brushy what sub he should have made and took Revell off for Barney rather than Hoops but still. Revell reminds me of a non ginger Matt Harrold - yes he tries but what does he actually do except look annoyed with himself when he hooks a half volley from 12 yards out over the South stand and into the flats.
With 10 mins left the calvary arrived - not only did Southend actually look more affective with Barney/Bailey and Gower on, the Heavy mob in their Orange Jackets came down and flooded (once again) the front of the family stand awaiting our Millwall style onslaught onto the pitch no doubt. I still don't understand why with one game left to play at the Hall they'd not only think we'd try and invade it but the FAMILY STAND? - Anyway we finally managed to get a late "deserved" goal from the Cardiac kid himself James Walker who had a reasonable game but not his best.
The whistle went and we awaited our fate - the news went out that Forest had beaten Yeovil 3-1 meaning they were up automatically and that Donny lost so roll on Friday and its Donny at home. Certainly winnable and as Tilson said in a post match interview its certainly a lot closer than Carlisle.
Flahaven - 7; Nothing really to do except pick the ball out of the net - at least we didn't concede from a corner this week.
Mulgrew - 7; The whole testimonial thing - did his job well but at no high gears.
Francis - 7; Same as Charlie.
Clarke - 7; Did his job - won balls in the air - had a little mazu run and after being awarded goal of he season for his effort against Orient I expected a shot.
Barrett - 7; Mr Southend same as the rest of the back 4 did his job steady as ever.
Mooose - 7; Always good to see him get a game, what he did he did well.
Macca - 6; Not his best - saving the fiery side of himself for the next 2 I should imagine.
Walker - 7; He scored! Nice touches but is he a player that will keep us up in the Championship?
Robson-Kanu - 6 - Not much to do kept quiet.
Revell - 4; Sorry but what was Tilson/Brush doing taking Hoops off over this fella.
HOOPS - 7.5; Works his arse off everytime he pulls on the shirt - he tried over and over again to create chances. It will come let's just give him a chance.
SUBS: Bailey - 7 (for McCormack 46mts.); A lot better than anything Macca had to offer.
Gower - 7 (for Robson-Kanu 62mts.); Looked dangerous - good touches on the ball.
Barney - 7 (for Hooper 66mts.); Was always going to throw himself into it - saving himself though I think.