Craven's Marks Out Of Ten

Last updated : 22 August 2004 By Robert Craven

GK Bart Griemink | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals Conceded: 0 | Rating: 6.5

Griemink’s first clean sheet for the Seasiders may also be one of his simplest. He had to make one (albeit very important) save in the entire 94-and-a-half minutes of action, and that arrived in the second minute of stoppage time when his right leg managed to flick out Chris Beech’s low shot for a corner. The manner in which he claimed the ball from the ensuing flag-kick went far to point to a successful Shrimpers career.


RB Duncan Jupp | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7

29-year-old Jupp was solid if not spectacular in his full-back role, making very few errors but by the same token not feeling over-played by the end of the game. The former Fulham and Wimbledon man was often criticised by those in the crowd for not going forwards all of the time, but this smacked of a lack of options, and also of a need to construct from the centre-halves onwards. Jupp was an attacking threat at times, although his final delivery was still substandard in some cases.


CB Andy Edwards | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

Like his partner at the heart of the defence, Edwards did not have a great deal to do, and Beech’s last minute run was as a result of being pushed forwards in a desperate attempt by Steve Tilson to gather all three points rather than a distinct lack of pace on the old defender’s part. His distribution often left a lot to be desired, however, with too many punts up field skewing wide of his targets.


CB Spencer Prior | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

Prior was at least able to overcome the nightmare of Spotland. At last he seemed more like the central defensive colossus that all Southend fans hoped he would turn out to be when he was snapped up by Steve Tilson during pre-season. His yellow card for a sliding foul on Daniel Webb on the touchline summed up his day perfectly – he was willing to put the team, and not himself, first.


LB Nicky Nicolau | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 8

Nicolau had easily his best game of the season, and had it not been for the immense Bentley, would have scooped the Man-of-the-Match award from TLG. The 21-year-old has been much maligned, not least by ourselves, for his frailties at the back, but he showed none of that and also seemed to possess experience beyond his years in dealing with pacy winger Shane Tudor. But it was his set-pieces, noticeably the corners, that provided the most cheer for supporters. Manager Steve Tilson revealed the side had been working on that aspect of their game during the week, and it showed as Nicolau put a series of fine deliveries into the penalty area for John Ruddy to drop and Bentley to miscue.


RM Carl Pettefer | Minutes on pitch: 80 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

Petts was another to give his absolute all, although he is still a little way from his top form. Playing on the right-hand side, he had less defensive work to do but still erred on the side of caution, and was not able to really put in an attacking threat. Made a series of important tackles at the end of the first half when it looked as though the visitors could get a foothold into the game, and was rightly perplexed by his substitution.


CM Mark Bentley | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 8.5

MotM: Quite how the matchday sponsors (also the main club sponsor this season) Betterview Windows and Conservatories managed to overlook the one-time Aveley man is, quite simply, beyond me. The tall and powerful midfielder looked classy, and indeed a class apart, at times this afternoon, moving from one end to the other with consummate ease. Smashed the crossbar with one fine effort that could easily have flown in, and with his excellent aerial prowess he could have had a brace of headers had he been slightly closer to the target connecting with a couple of Nicolau corners.


CM Kevin Maher | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

Maher was not altogether bad, but simply did not quite deserve the plaudits he got. Once again he talked himself into a booking needlessly – his role as captain necessitates some sort of verbal communication with the referee, but his tirade against Iain Williamson simply did not stop and he was correctly cautioned. This had an adverse affect on his game as he was then unable to get the challenges in that he had earlier without risking dismissal. Nonetheless, composed on the ball and was the main source of Southend’s forward running.


LM Mark Gower | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7.5

At last the real Mark Gower finally stood up. His 90 minutes on the hallowed turf was far from flawless – for instance he often strayed from his left-wing position and left a gaping hole moving forwards for Tudor to exploit, but on the whole he looked ‘up for it’, and did the messy bits well. There is no doubt that a fit, and willing, Gower, is the ultimate key to Blues’ overall success in the coming campaign – on the basis of today he looks to be improving quickly.


CF Drewe Broughton | Mins on pitch: 80 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

Drewe perhaps let himself down a little, but in all honesty he was unable to really get into the match after it was established that referee Williamson was not going to allow him any leeway in challenging for the ball. Time and time again Broughton was penalised for backing into or leaning on Andy Duncan, a former Manchester United youth player who ought to, and was, able to hold his own. Only in the latter stages was Drewe able to get any decisions back, but by then he was resigned to being replaced.


CF Wayne Gray | Minutes on pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

Striker Gray looked the more likely of the forwards to score, albeit only marginally and by virtue of Broughton being marked out of the game. Had just the one real chance to score, but failed to convert, but used his strength to good effect at times, and with better service from the midfield (who were sometimes bypassed by raking balls from the back), he could pose a real threat. One fantastic cross also stands out.


CF Lawrie Dudfield | Minutes on pitch: 10 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

Late swap for Broughton, but alongside Gray he is unlikely to be as effective as when he plays with Drewe or Tes Bramble. Slots back well and picks up possession, but needs an out-and-out (and clever) forward with him.


RM Mike Husbands | Mins on pitch: 10 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

Another short ten-minute burst, this time for the former Aston Villa man who once again showed that he can be a real threat coming on late in the game. Handed the chance on the back of a good reserve showing, and should have more opportunities to impress as the season goes on.


Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com