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However, the two managers, desperate to get some match practice before the start of the season next Saturday, in United's case away to Hull City at Boothferry Park, decided that the game should be moved to the Shrimpers training facilities at Boots And Laces. Fans were not told of this change, even those asking at the Ticket Office were unable to find out that the game was in fact going ahead whilst the official website and local media also failed to publicise the move in the hopes that it would become a behind closed doors match . As a result, the three thousand or so that were expected at Roots Hall dwindled to around 100 or so lucky fellows on Eastern Avenue.
In the game itself, Neil Shipperley gave Wimbledon the lead on the half-hour before Joel McAnuff doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute. Graeme Jones scored his second Blues goal in just three pre-season games to pull one back for the Shrimpers, but despite heavy pressure in the dying minutes, the game ended with Wimbledon prevailing by two goals to one, despite Southend fielding a full-strength team. The game is rumoured to have been United's best pre-season performance, it is just a shame that the weather decreed that many supporters were denied the chance to go and see it.
Southend: Darryl Flahavan, Dave McSweeney (Stephen Broad 74), Leon Cort, Phil Whelan, Damon Searle, Steven Clark, Kevin Maher, Ian Selley (Jay Smith 70), Neil Jenkins (John McGrath 77), Graeme Jones (Mark Rawle 67), Tesfaye Bramble. Subs not used: Danny Gay, Barrington Belgrave, Danny Webb, Tony Richards, Danny Maye.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com