Southend Take a Step Closer

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Never follow up a slippery nipple with a rusty nail if you have a report to write the next day.

Anyhow, 72 hours later as events mix into each other we can all reflect on a job well done that leaves the Mighty Blues a couple of wins away, and possibly a draw, from the promised land. When the match entered the final half hour with a smartly taken first half Gareth Williams goal for Blackpool seperating the sides, I rather selfishly, contemplated that my stag night after the game could be a drab affair, especially with men of a certain age with wives and partners to go back to.

Took his total to 20 league goals

A slow something or other against a wall for Mr. Eastwood then who took matters into his own hands, skipped past a couple of flat footed defenders, dummied another, before shooting past a hapless Blackpool keeper for the Southend equaliser. Poetry in motion.

I would have taken that with all the other sides in the top 7 conspiring to get us up by Easter. (Warning, avoid the play offs guys or a certain Notts Forest is going to get you.)

However, master manager Tilly made a couple of killer substitutions with Cole for an awful Gower the master stroke. With all the confidence of the teenager he is, his injury struck season was forgotten as his pace took him down the left wing a cut inside, the ball fell for Saint Luke, four minutes left, 2-1, 3 points, happy mates, several rounds in the Cricketers and the Hamlet, a very happy reporter, who somehow found his way back to London and then Brighton for the Mighty Boosh the next day, ah that Vince, he can still wear a

mean poncho.

Not a great game, a poor Blackpool defence should have been sorted out by a top of their game Blues on another day but all the expected end of season nerves were there and we can expect another nail biter on Friday when in form Gillingham hit town.

I will be in Scotland to tie the knott, are Gretna at home Saturday?, but if needs must, come on Hufddesfield, will trek up to Barnsley on Monday but my money's on Doncaster Saturday week.

Get the disco music out, the fat lady is warming up her voice and she will not be singing from Madam Butterfly.

By the way does anybody know what is actually in a rusty nail?

Flahaven: 7. The now expected top all round performance from the Blues shot stopper. No blame for the goal.

Jupp: 7. Good game from Duncan who gets his fair share of stick, sometimes deserved, but played more defensively here with Sodje out.

HUNT (MOM): 8. Well, small squad anyone? From the first Blackpool attack, looked safe, assured and won everything in the air. Fantastic first full game for how long?

Barrett: 7. Not his best, missed his central partner a touch I believe but never gave less than his usual 100%.

Wilson: 7. Also not at his best I feel but deserves his seven for never letting his head drop and let the error with Gower leading to Blackpool's goal getting him down.

Gower: 5. Errors all over the park could have led to more than just on goal. What's going on here?

Maher 7: Great game. Still the man other players look to get the Blues attack going.

Gutteridge 7: Mixed bag but like Wilson kept tackling away and looking forward, in the right place to get the winnner, and didn't get booked.

Bradbury: 7. Proved again what a good player he is, a real football brain and lighter on his feet tha you would believe. Very difficult to get the ball off.

Eastwood: 8. Took off in the second half when he decided he wanted all three points. Unplayable for defenders when he's in that sort of form.

Goater: 6. Some great passes and we all thought he had scored when he rounded the goalkeeper in the first half. Still a fantastic football brain and worth his place in the side till the end of the season. I believe the team love playing with him.