We've Met Before - Ford United

Barry Conlon netted a brace in the senior Cup encounter during November 1998.

The first time the sides met was on 31st March 1982 in the Second Round of the Essex Thameside Trophy, the men from Ford, then of the Essex Senior League, chalked up a mighty impressive 3-0 victory over what was a strong Southend side. Below we re-produce the match report from the following days Evening Echo (1-4-82):-

Ford in top gear
"SOUTHEND United crashed out of the Essex Thameside Trophy last night when they were crushed 3-0 by struggling Essex Senior Leaguers Ford united at Roots Hall.

They also recieved a blasting from manager Dave Smith. He described his team's performance as "a disgrace", and he added: "I hope all my players are suitably embarrassed at losing to Ford."

Despite the presence of Northern Ireland international Derek Spence and expereienced first teamers Phil Dudley, Terry Gray and Glenn Pennyfather, Blues were outplayed.

Lively Ford seemed surprised by just how easily they brushed aside the challenge of a Blues team which seldom looked like posing real menace in front of goal.

Blues had plenty of possession and territorial advantage, but apart from a Spence header which rebounded off the underside of the bar to safety, and another effort from the blond striker which Vince Nicholl saved, Ford had little to worry about.

Ford visibly grew in confidence after a nervy start in which they seemed to pay Blues far too much respect.

Most of the credit for plotting Blues' downfall should go to Ford's striker Kurt Davidson. He opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a looping shot which completely decieved goalkeeper Paul Caskey.

Then, Davidson followed up to fire a second in the 47th minute after a poor pass by Spence in midfield had set up a breakaway attack.

The final nail in Blues' coffin came in the 66th minute. Caskey floored Davidson as he broke through and hard-working midfieldman Brian Priest stepped up to fire in the penalty kick".

The two sides soon met again in Thameside Trophy action, but Southend managed to reverse the terrible rssult from 1981-82 when, in 1985-86 the Shrimpers came out 2-0 victors before, the following season, Southend ran out comprehensive 5-2 winners. Both of those matches took place at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers twice visited Ford's Rush Green Arena during 1998-99

It was in the final match of that season - 10th May 1999 - that the Shrimpers returned again, this time for the final of the Thameside Trophy. Ford, who had just been crowned Champions of the Ryman League Third Division, defeated Southend 2-1, with Neville Roach netting the Shrimpers goal Southend lined-up for that match as follows:- Mel Capleton; Garry Cross, Adrian Clarke, Tom McDonald, Leo Roget, Chris Perkins; Leon Johnson, Mick Gooding, Julian Hails; Yemi Abiodun, Neville Roach. This time the report comes from Issue two of our very own The Little Gazette (16-7-99):-

No Fiesta For Blues At Ford
"SOUTHEND United failed to brighten up their dismal season by taking some silverware when they lost the Thameside Trophy Final 2-1 to Ryman Third Division Champions Ford United.

The final was played on Ford United's bone hard, dusty pitch at Rush Green Road. Although most cup finals fail to live up to expectations, this final must go down in history as one of the worst ever played.

Blues', who last won this trophy in 1990 with a 4-1 victory over Redbridge Forest, included six players who had tasted first team action last term.

In a first half devoid of any real creative football, due mainly to Ford's tactics ala Cambridge style, it was the Shrimpers', playing in their red away kit, who had the first chance on seven minutes. Yemi's pace taking him past two players before squaring the ball back to Garry Cross, but the impressive young right back saw his 20 yard shot trapped by Ford's kepper Jimmy Champman's legs.

On 21 minutes Ford took the lead. Jimmy Prue's long throw eventually finding Jeff Wood at the far post, and he nodded the ball past the helpless Mel Capleton to put the faded Blue shirts of Ford one up.

On 25 minutes it should have been two, but Mark Lord blasted over when he should have done better. That was it for the first half. Dreadful display!

Alan Little must have stirred them up at half time because within 60 seconds of the re-start it was 1-1. Mel Capleton's long kick evaded the Ford defence allowing Neville Roach to tuck the ball away in confident fashion. Game on, we all thought.

No chance! The next action, apart from Perkins' header that went just wide, was Ford's winning goal on 70 minutes. Again it stemmed from a Jimmy Prue long throw which Blues failed to clear. In the ensuring goalmouth scramble the ball hit Ben Willis' leg and ricocheted into the net. The winning goal summing up the whole match.

Southend now had 20 minutes to save the game. Adrian Clarke fired a 25 yard free-kick over the bar. Leon Johnson blasted over, and Yemi wasted a half chance in injury time.

So, Ford won 2-1 and they joyously collected the magnificent Silver Galleon Trophy amid tremendous celebrations by the friendly Ford supporters.

For Southend United and their travelling supporters this is a game they will want to quickly forget".

Ford were beaten 2-0 at Roots Hall on their last visit in October 1999.

Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com