Southend United 2 Boston United 1

Last updated : 09 October 2004 By Mark Wallis

The Shrimpers, who were cruising at two goals ahead in the first period, had to really work for their victory especially as they had to play out the entire second half with striker Tesfaye Bramble playing in goal after Darryl Flahavan had been sent-off for handling the ball outside the penalty area just before the interval.

With Mark Bentley’s appeal against his harsh red card at Colchester United having failed, the influential midfielder sat out the first of a three-game ban with Lewis Hunt taking his place alongside skipper Kevin Maher. Other than that Steve Tilson’s starting line-up matched the one which slipped to a 4-0 defeat at Darlington six days earlier with new loanee frontman Freddy Eastwood settling for a place on the bench.

In what was a very satisfying first half for the home side it was, needless to say, Southend who created the early openings and looked the most lively up front. Boston were not a bad side – we’ve certainly met worse this season – but the Shrimpers outplayed them with some fantastic positive passing football.

Indeed, with just 15 minutes on the clock, the home side took the lead. A low ball in from the right flank by Wayne Gray fell to Mark Gower who, six yards from goal, turned his marker before stabbing the ball home. (1-0)

As Southend continued to press forward a fine move involving all but two navy blue shirts culminated in Hunt smashing Carl Pettefer’s centre into the arms of erractic goalkeeper Nathanel Abbey before Gower hit a shot wayward after more fine build-up play.

It was on 22 minutes that the lead was deservedly doubled. This time Gray chased down a through ball before closing in on Abbey and confidently placing a low finish into the bottom right hand corner. (2-0)

As Gray, who produced his best performance since arriving from Milton Keynes Dons in the summer, turned provider, Bramble miskicked in front of goal as Southend went in search of further goals.

However, with Southend looking likely to go on and chalk up a comprehensive victory, the game changed just moments before half time when goalkeeper Flahavan was sent-off after he raced out of his area only to handle a high bouncing ball. Unfortunately, Rayford Lee – the assistant who spotted the incident – was totally correct and referee Kevin Woolmer was left with little option.

With no substitute keeper on the bench and Bentley – the man nominated to take over in such a situation banned – it was brave striker Bramble who volunteered to take over the green jersey.

Half time: Southend United 2 Boston United 0

Of course, with Bramble having taken residence between the sticks, the Shrimpers were left with Gray as a lone man upfront. The pacey striker worked his socks off, but needless to say Southend attacks were now very limited and, in an attempt to protect Bramble as best as possible, the Shrimpers had everybody back defending whenever the visitors won a free kick or corner.

Things were made all the more difficult when Boston pulled a goal back just four minutes after half time, nippy striker Andy Kirk poking the ball past Bramble from close range after Courtney Pitt had cut into the area. (2-1)

It was down, largely, to the heroics of Bramble which kept Southend infront however, as the stand-in shot-stopper made some fine saves which kept his side in the lead.

One particularly impressive effort saw Pitt’s curling free-kick acrobatically turned around the post, whilst Bramble also did well to hold onto efforts from Kirk and Paul Ellender.

Other Boston efforts flew wide of the target, with Ellender and Pitt the main culprits whilst in a desperate bid the salvage a point even goalkeeper Abbey raced forward for a couple of late corners, and despite getting his head to one the ball dropped wide of the upright.

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Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com