Firstly, I would like to apologise for the late arrival of this report, and I’m sure you understand that it is against the principles of this website, but I came away from this game so hugely disappointed that it’s taken this long to even talk about it.
I don’t think any of us are quite sure why Steve Tilson’s side put up such a poor performance in this match, although I can only assume that as soon as they saw the pitch, by far the worst in the Football League, the Southend players thought they had a ready-made excuse. Maybe they did, but I’m not going to accept that.
Boston, who would have been humbled by more than the eventual 2-1 scoreline at Roots Hall in October had United goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan not been sent-off after handling the ball outside his area, are actually unbeaten at home this season, so it could well be that the pitch has stopped more teams than just Southend from playing.
However, the Shrimpers did not possess the fight to compete on the Boston Beach, and succumbed to two second half goals from the Pilgrims only real threat, striker Andy Kirk.
In a completely uneventful first half, the only chance of any worthwhile note saw Shrimpers defender Adam Barrett head a Kevin Maher corner over the crossbar.
Almost immediately after the interval though, Southend should have taken the lead courtesy of a huge slice of fortune. There seemed little danger as Maher lofted forward a 60 yard free kick, but Boston goalkeeper Nathan Abbey dropped the ball right into the path of Andy Edwards who somehow fired over the top of an open goal from a matter of yards.
Then, on 65 minutes the previously inactive Boston took the lead, and typically it came from a free kick in a similar position to Maher’s, although this time Kirk sprinted clear of the United defence before chipping the ball, and a large wedge of sand, over Bart Griemink and into the corner of the net. (1-0)
Daryl Clare curled an effort wide of the post before the game was wrapped up five minutes from time when Danny Thomas darted down the left flank before crossing for an unmarked Kirk to head home from close range. (2-0)
Southend did carve out a late chance, Wayne Gray heading a Carl Pettefer centre into the arms of Abbey, for it was far too late in the day for any sort of revival, and having lost ground on the top three, Tilson’s men will have to show their worth in the coming weeks before the enter the hugely difficult month of February.
MATCH FACTS
BOSTON UNITED...(0) 2 SOUTHEND UNITED…(0) 0
Football League Division Three, Wednesday, 12th January 2005 @ York Street
Goals: Boston: Kirk 65 (Stabbed over Griemink; inside area; timed at 64:18), Kirk 84 (headed home a Thomas cross; inside area; timed at 84:15).
Bookings: Southend: Bentley (68 – foul).
Sent-off: None.
Total Goal Efforts: Boston 4, Southend 10
Shots/headers on target: Boston 2, Southend 2
Shots/headers off target: Boston 1, Southend 4
Blocked shots: Boston 1, Southend 4
Hit Woodwork: Boston 0, Southend 0
Corners: Boston 5, Southend 4
Free Kicks: Boston 21, Southend 12
Caught Offside: Boston 7, Southend 1
Match Time:
First Half: 45:57. Second Half: 47:24. Total: 93:21.
Indicated stoppage time: First Half: 1 minute (Actual: 00:57), Second Half: 2 minutes (02:24)
Referee: Paul Danson (Leicestershire FA), 4 out of 10 (General Control 2/5, Application of Laws 1/3, Personality & Appearance 1/2)
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com
NB. Shots/headers on target includes all goals and Free Kicks includes all penalties.