|
The visiting side never possessed United with any kind of threat and needless to say although Southend were far from being on top of their game, the Shrimpers completely controlled the first half.
Newman msde changes following the dreadful performances against both Lincoln and Kidderminster; adopting a 3-5-2 formation, with Phil Whelan being recalled to the side in place of Graeme Jones. Whelan slotted into the backline alongside Stephen Broad and Leon Cort whilst Tes Bramble returned to a more out and out striking role alongside Mark Rawle. Mark Beard and Neil Jenkins were employed as wing backs.
Southend created chances early on and in just the fifth minute Whelan side footed the ball inches wide after Cort had knocked back a Kevin Maher corner. The three minutes later good work involving Jay Smith and Rawle saw the latter cross to Bramble who flicked a header just off target.
Bramble probably should have done better when a nodded a free header over from a Rawle cross, but moments later Rawle himself was unlucky, seeing a shot deflected wide for a corner after a neat run and one-two with Jenkins. However on 19 minutes the Shrimpers were gifted a great chance to snatch the lead, referee Phil Prosser having no doubts that Neil Whitworth's high lunge on Bramble inside the area was worthy of a spot kick. Bramble however sent goalkeeper Kevin Miller the wrong way with his penalty but the ball rolled agonisingly wide of the left hand post.
|
Southend however were not disheartened by the penalty miss. On 22 minutes an Andy Roscoe free kick flew straight into the arms of Darryl Flahavan and the Shrimpers stopper launched a huge kick upfield which Rawle sprinted onto, the pacey striker then slipped a low centre across the face of goal but none of the onrushing Shrimpers could quite get a toe to the ball. Rawle though was to play no further part as he limped out of the action on 35 minutes, being replaced by Jones.
Maher curled a shot just wide following neat play by Bramble and Jenkins before the only goal of the game arrived two minutes before half time, a strong Bramble run resulting in the frontman delievering a low cross which was missed by Smith but fell to Jones who was more than grateful to smash home his first goal for the Club at the far post. The cheer that greeted the announcement of Jones as the scorer showed just how relieved the supporters were that the man who arrived from St Johnstone had finally got of the mark.
|
Bramble dragged a shot just wide after another powerful run on 70 minutes before Jones sent a half volley off target having connected to a Smith flick on. Bramble then stabbed a shot wide after a good build up by Beard and Smith.
United's last opportunity on 84 minutes saw another Bramble shot deflected wide after yet another great run. The match then drew to a climax soon after Exeter's firsrt meaningful effort goal, Scott Hiley shooting wide from long range.
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com