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Manager Steve Tilson decided to rest strikers Freddy Eastwood and Wayne Gray, with Tesfaye Bramble and Lawrie Dudfield given their chance to lead the frontline whilst Kevin Maher, Nicky Nicolau and Andy Edwards all returned to the side at the expense of Che Wilson, Duncan Jupp and Spencer Prior.
It was two first half goals which saw Southend through, with the second half witnessing the Shrimpers easily soak up any Northampton pressure.
It was the home side however who created the first opportunity of the evening, former Colchester United striker Scott McGleish lifting a shot over the top of Bart Greimink's crossbar having been played through by Martin Smith.
Shortly after that effort though, and with 14 minutes on the clock, United took the lead. Bramble neatly slid a pass into the path of ex-Cobbler Dudfield who, at an angle, slipped a low shot past goalkeeper Lee Harper. (0-1)
Moments later the Shrimpers came close again, Maher firing just off target from 20 yards following good work work by Dudfield and Bramble before, on 21 minutes, United doubled their advantage, Carl Pettefer baging I first Southend goal, smashing in a loose ball after Mahers dangerous cross had bot been dealt wth properly by he Cobblers reaguard. (0-2)
Further first half chances saw Mark Bentley stab the ball over the crossbar from 15 yards, whilst th3 home side' best chance of the half saw Griemink brilliantly top a Smith header, following a Julian Alsop flick-on, around the post.
Half-time: Northampton Town 0 Southend United 2
The early exchanges of the second period saw Gower shoot over the top from 20 yards for the Essex side before Smith belted the ball too high from an angle.
Griemink did well to cling onto a low drive from Smith before a centre from the same man saw McGleidh send his header against the post.
A great opportunity for the home side saw Pedj Bojic somehow head sa Davd Galbraith cross wide of the upright from close range when it seemed easier to find the target.
Then, the last chance of the night fell to the Shrimpers, substitute Gray only able to roll a shot into the arms of Harper.
MATCH FACTS
NORTHAMPTON TOWN...(0) 0 SOUTHEND UNITED…(2) 2
LDV Vans Trophy Area Quarter-Final, Tuesday, 30th November 2004 @ Sixfields
Line-ups:
The Cobblers (4-4-2; maroon shirts, white shorts. Maroon socks):- Lee Harper; Pedj Bojic (Luke Chambers), Tommy Jaszczun, Chris Willmott, Fred Murray; Lee Williamson (Bertrand Cozic 84), David Rowson, Martin Smith, David Galbraith; Julian Alsop (Eric Sabin ht), Scott McGleish. Unused subs - Tom Youngs, Ryan Amoo.
The Shrimpers (4-4-2; sky, navy, navy):- Bart Griemink; Lewis Hunt, Nicky Nicolau, Andy Edwards, Adam Barrett; Kevin Maher, Mark Bentley, Carl Pettefer, Mark Gower; Tesfaye Bramble (Wayne Gray 72), Lawrie Dudfield (Freddy Eastwood 72). Unused subs - Spencer Prior, Che Wilson, Nick Morgan.
Goals: Southend: Dudfield 14 (connected onto a Bramble pass before finishing from an angle; inside area; timed at 13:45), Pettefer 21 (Smashed into an empty net; inside area; timed at 20:56).
Bookings: Northampton: None. Southend: Maher (66 - foul).
Sent-off: None.
Total Goal Efforts: Northampton 13, Southend 10
Shots/headers on target: Northampton 2, Southend 3
Shots/headers off target: Northampton 6, Southend 5
Blocked shots: Northampton 4, Southend 2
Hit Woodwork: Northampton 1, Southend 0
Corners: Northampton 8, Southend 7
Free Kicks: Northampton 9, Southend 5
Caught Offside: Northampton 5, Southend 4
Match Time:
First Half: 46:58. Second Half: 47:57. Total: 94:55.
Indicated stoppage time: First Half: 2 minutes (Actual: 01:58), Second Half: 3 minutes (02:57)
Referee: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire FA), 7 out of 10 (General Control 3/5, Application of Laws 2/3, Personality & Appearance 2/2) - Didn't do an awful lot wrong, but booked Kevin Maher for a fairly lame tackle having failed to caution Martin Smith having chopped down Carl Pettefer whilst on route to goal.
Attendance: 3,280 (approx 450 away fans)
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com
NB. Shots/headers on target includes all goals and Free Kicks includes all penalties