In a match which was totally dominated by Steve Tilson’s Shrimpers, it wasn’t until as late as the 79th minutes that United finally wrapped up three ever so precious points, taking a simple late chance when so many went begging before it.
With Swansea City losing, Lincoln City drawing and Macclesfield Town, who are now third, not playing until Wednesday night, the Shrimpers are just goal difference away from that elusive third automatic promotion spot.
Following Saturday’s victory over Northampton Town at Sixfields, manager Tilson recalled Mark Gower to the side whilst string duties were left the responsibility of Freddy Eastwood and Lawrie Dudfield.
It was the visitors from Shropshire who created the first chance of the evening, but as Luke Rodgers fired wayward after Darryl Flahavan had parried a Kelvin Langmead shot, Town went about causing no harm for the rest of the match.
Carl Pettefer sting the fingers of Shrews shpt-stopper Scott Howie on ten minutes before the ex-Reading custodian also did well to hold onto a deflected Spencer Prior header after a neatly flighted Kevin Maher corner.
A great run a low cross from Eastwood eventually saw Dudfield stab just off target, and a similar fate befell Mark Bentley, who’s strong run saw a long range effort scuffed wide of the post.
Dudfield used his strength to hold off Stuart Whitehead before driving a shot into the arms of Howie before a one-sided opening half finished shortly after Eastwood’s neat run had resulted in a rasping 20 yard shot inches over the top.
Half-time: Southend United 0 Shrewsbury Town 0
A fabulous run from diminutive midfielder Pettefer resulted in a 15 yard shot straight at Howie eleven minutes after the restart and then, just two minutes later, Howie did well to tip an Eastwood drive around the upright.
Bentley’s angled shot was blocked at his near post by Howie, and Gower’s fierce shot was gathered at the second attempt as Southend began to become increasingly frustrated.
However, with 79 minutes on the clock, United’s goal finally arrived. A neat move resulting in half-time substitute Duncan Jupp crossing to the back post where Bentley headed across goal for an unmarked Eastwood to head home from close range. (1-0)
Virtually seconds after the opening goal, Roots Hall was engulfed in heavy snowful, which at one point had referee Joe Ross considering taking the places off over concerns that they were struggling to see the yellow ball, but the players disagreed and United, for whom Wayne Gray, another replacement, slid an effort just wide moments after the goal, easily hung on for a most vital victory.
MATCH FACTS
SOUTHEND UNITED…(0) 1 SHREWSBURY TOWN…(0) 0
Football League Division Three, Tuesday, 22nd February 2005 @ Roots Hall
The Shrimpers (all navy; 4-4-2):- Darryl Flahavan; Lewis Hunt (Duncan Jupp ht), Che Wilson, Adam Barrett, Spencer Prior; Kevin Maher, Mark Bentley, Carl Pettefer, Mark Gower (Nicky Nicolau 90); Lawrie Dudfield (Wayne Gray 74), Freddy Eastwood. Unused subs – Tesfaye Bramble, Craig Holloway.
The Shrews (all red; 4-4-2):- Scott Howie; Dave Walton, Trevor Challis, Darren Tinson, Stuart Whitehead; Jamie Tolley, Martyn O’Conner, David Edwards, Sam Aiston (Neil Ashton 84); Luke Rodgers (Ryan Lowe 61), Kelvin Langmead (John Grant 84). Unused subs – Jake Sedgemore, Joe Hart.
Goal: Southend: Eastwood 79 (headed in from close range; inside area; timed at 78:15)
Bookings: Southend: None. Shrewsbury: Challis (37 – foul).
Sent-off: None.
Total Goal Efforts: Southend 20, Shrewsbury 5
Shots/headers on target: Southend 9, Shrewsbury 1
Shots/headers off target: Southend 9, Shrewsbury 3
Blocked shots: Southend 2, Shrewsbury 1
Hit Woodwork: Southend 0, Shrewsbury 0
Corners: Southend 11, Shrewsbury 1
Free Kicks: Southend 14, Shrewsbury 10
Caught Offside: Southend 5, Shrewsbury 3
Rogers dive counter: 2. An appalling effort from our tubby friend who tumbled just twice, however like Sabin on Saturday was substituted because, at the end of the day, he isn’t very good!
Match Time:
First Half: 46:17. Second Half: 50:44. Total: 97:01.
Indicated stoppage time: First Half: 1 minute (Actual: 01:17), Second Half: 4 minutes (05:44)
Referee: Joseph Ross (London FA), 8 out of 10 (General Control 4/5, Application of Laws 2/3, Personality & Appearance 2/2)
Attendance: 4,219 (35 away fans)
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com
NB. Shots/headers on target includes all goals and Free Kicks includes all penalties.