Southend United 0 Swansea City 2

Stephen Kelly was just about the only one who cared.

Newman even went as far as admitted that he cannot see where his side's next point is coming from with a very difficult climax to the campaign on the horizon. Although when the manager of the team states that even he has no faith in his side then surely it must be time to move on, and the vast majority of the mere 2,832 crowd in Roots Hall on this dreadful evening would certainly agree. Angry cries of 'We want Newman Out' rung around the ground and were also complimented with such chants as 'You're Not Fit To Wear Those Shirts' and 'What A Load of Rubbish', Newman could certainly hear all of it but he insisted that the criticism from the supporters wasn't fierce enough.

At The Little Gazette we always try to remain positive but unfortunately that simply is not possible at the moment with Southend United playing the worst football, possibly, of their history. There was nothing in this performanhce whatsoever; no pride, no passion, no commitment, no effort. The losers in blue may as well have not bothered to turn up and under the leadership of clueless manager Newman, who has vendetta's against certain players and apparent love-affairs with others, Southend will never get out of the downward spiral they have stumbled into.

One of Newman's love-affairs is undoubtedly with midfielder and 'captain' Kevin Maher. When Maher is not in the side the Southend midfield is that much stronger. Maher is powderpuff and his set-pieces are truly abysmal. Time and time again Maher floats ueless corners and free kicks into the arms of the under-worked goalkeeper. When Maher is not in the side United look fairly dangerous from these set-pieces yet he always strolls back into the side.

In goal Southend have the pick of the worst in the Football League. We all know that Darryl Flahavan does not want to be with the Shrimpers, but he is here because nobody else actually wants him because, to be frank, he's not up to it. Three of the last four goals United have conceded have been his fault and he's been costing points all season with his inability to hold onto the ball. Daniel Gay never let the side down whilst he deputised at the turn of the year and the fact that he has recently been placed on standby for the Welsh Under-21 side shows his obvious potential. Just why Gay is playing second fiddle to Flahavan only Newman can tell us.

In recent weeks Newman stuck by useless loan signing Dominic Foley and for the last three months another loanee, Daniel Marney has also been a constant first choice despite contributing absolutely nothing to Southend United.

If Newman somehow survives this dismal performance then surely he will definately be relieved of his duties if, or indeed when, United lose to Leyton Orient on Saturday. Indeed should that game result in another loss then the Club record of six successive defeats will be equalled and probably beaten at York a week later. It would also bring up the unwanted milestone of ten home defeats in a season, we currently sit on the equal record of nine. Only Brighton & Hove Albion in Division One have lost as many matches as Southend - 21 - and United have lost twice to both Swansea and Carlisle United without even mustering a goal.

This dull game was won courtesy of two Swansea strikes in just four second half minutes. Full back Lee Jenkins somehow run fully 40 yards completely unchallenged before being chopped down by Damon Searle inside the area. As Jenkins trotted back to the half way line James Thomas had no problems in beating Flahavan with a well-taken spot kick. Then in the very next attack, and inevitably the last of the match,. the victory was sealed. A routine Roberto Martinez free kick was fumbled, as ever, by Flahavan and Kevin Nugent was first to react to poke the ball home from close range.

The goal was in fact the last part Nugent would play in proceedings for he was sent-off just three minutes later for elbowing Searle, it was perhaps a justice after the same player got away with an identical offence on Flahavan in the first half.

The Southend team were roundly jeered off the pitch at the final whistle, and as Newman trudged off many whished that they would never see him and many of his players ever again. Indeed, many of these supporters will not turn up for more torture on Saturday.

SOUTHEND UNITED (4-4-2, with ratings out of ten):- Darryl Flahavan 4; Daryl Sutch 3, Damon Searle 5, Leon Cort 4, Stephen Kelly 6; Kevin Maher 1, Stuart Thurgood 5, Daniel Marney 4 (Brett Darby 64, 4), Neil Jenkins 5 (Steven Clark 64, 4); Tes Bramble 2, Mark Salter 3. Unused subs - Mark Beard, David McSweeney, Daniel Gay.

SWANSEA CITY (4-4-2):- Neil Cutler; Lee Jenkins, Leon Hylton, Kristian O'Leary, Alan Tate; Leon Britton, Roberto Martinez, Brad Maylett, Lenny Johnrose; James Thomas (Steve Watkin 81), Kevin Nugent. Unsed subs - Andrew Mumford, Gareth Phillips, John Williams, Michael Howard.

TLG MAN OF THE MATCH: Stephen Kelly.
The only player in a dark blue shirt that seemed vaguely interested on this dismal evening amazingly wasn't even a Southend player, Stephen Kelly, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur tried his best but unfortunately was dragged down by those around him..

Attendance: 2,832 (approx 200 away fans).
Referee: Steve Tomlin (Lewes) 4 out of 10.

Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com