Craven's Marks Out Of Ten

GK Darryl Flahavan | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals conceded: 1 | Rating: 7

Yet another solid display from Flahavan, who was called upon to make some unbelievable saves during the first half. One in particular, a header at point blank range from youngster Billy Sharp, palming the ball over the crossbar, was exceptional, and he deserved more from the game. Had no chance with a pinpoint and driven finish by Ian Baraclough, the culmination of a slick move.

RB Lewis Hunt | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7.5

If it was a good defensive 45 minutes in the first half, then the second saw the attacking capabilities of the former Derby County right-back, who surged forwards at every chance to support first Carl Pettefer and then Mark Gower. His forward play may yet require some more work, but he was good enough today.

Hunt has had to work very hard to get his opportunity in the Shrimpers line-up, and in the end only a slice of luck in the injury to Duncan Jupp allowed him to win his spot back. Now he is clasping it, Paul Musselwhite-style, with two hands, and the pair appear seto to become the new Darryl/Bart debate, such are the different nuances in style that they bring to the side.

CB Andy Edwards | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7

Restored the starting line-up in place of his early-90s team-mate Spencer Prior, Eagle was another in the team to shine. At times he may have appeared a little too slow to deal with the raw pace of Sharp and Andy Keogh, and despite that pairing causing problems for the Shrimpers, they never really forged a devastating breakaway that would leave Edwards and Adam Barrett trailing in their wake. The only reason he will make way against Colchester United on Bank Holiday Monday is if he is rested.

CB Adam Barrett | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 7.5

We are now starting to see the Adam Barrett of 2004/5. In this game he was immense, flinging himself into the path of the ball whenever there was the sniff of a goalbound shot. He marshalled the back-line well, and as previously stated, had few real difficulties with Keogh or Sharp. His forays into opposition territory have never struck fear that he will leave the team exposed. Still yet to find the goalscoring touch at the other end, however.

LB Che Wilson | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

Difficult to really describe what Wilson did in the ninety minutes. Much of the threat for the Iron came on the Shrimpers right, where it was contained by Hunt, although in the closing stages the introduction of Cleveland Taylor was adroitly stifled by the former Bristol Rovers captain. Comfortable in his place in the squad at the moment.

RM Carl Pettefer | Mins on Pitch: 75 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 5.5

At least Petts’ play was forward-minded in the second period. He did look to push on, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record, his lack of pace means that he will never really beat a defender. Some clever little through-balls maybe deserved more reward, but Pettefer needs a challenger to bring him back to his tenacious best.

CM Luke Guttridge | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6

Jekyll and Hyde from the former Cambridge United captain. His first half was, frankly, atrocious. He squandered possession far too easily, and then came an awful moment when he was turned by Baraclough and the midfielder stole into the penalty area to net. It summed up Guttridge’s stinker.

However, in the second 45 minutes, the little battler was closer to his sniping best, biting at the ankles of the Iron midfielders, and playing an important part in making sure that Blues’ midfield unit was able to take control of the fixture. Once again showed good intelligence when breaking forwards and a decent grasp of positioning.

CM Kevin Maher | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

A more consistent ninety minutes from Maher than that of his midfield partner. The skipper slowly established himself in the game until he started to boss things around in the second half, and his corners caused a threat to Paul Musselwhite until the very last, and vital, flag-kick, was not good enough. Decent passing and a cool head were the earmarks of his game.

LM/RM Mark Gower | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

At half-time, we had been treated to the very worst of Mark Gower. He had created one chance for himself, which he slashed wide of the near post, and generally did not look interested. But something must have been muttered at the break, because the new right wingman was always causing the hosts to think about their defensive work. The Iron were on the back foot, and it was as a result of the testing working over that Gower’s increased presence and crossing ability confirmed.

CF Wayne Gray | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 6.5

Gray had very little to feed on from the midfield, but he gave a good account of himself as he dropped back to collect the ball and always wanted to make things happen. He was denied any first-class chances to score, sometimes legally, and on others more illegally, but he remains Southend’s most potent threat when Freddy Eastwood is not around.

CF Shaun Goater | Mins on Pitch: 90 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 5.5

A full ninety from the Bermudan, who unfortunately did not look altogether fit and badly miscontrolled when in his best position to prove his song correct. A header in the second period had Musselwhite sprawling across his goalmouth, but one can only pray that his display against Col U is much, much better.

LM Mitchell Cole | Mins on Pitch: 15 | Goals: 0 | Assists: 0 | Rating: 5.5

One can only hope that Cole is not the new Steven Clark, as he appears more and more to resemble the former West Ham United trainee with every game. Still too lightweight (shoved off of the ball when trying to race around the right-back), too poor at crossing (the centre after the aforementioned shove) and too indecisive – the shot at the end should have been either over or below Musselwhite, as the keeper made a fantastic sliding save with two hands…oh yeah, except it was outside of the area!