Shrimpers boss Steve Tilson ensured that the ‘Manager of the Month’ curse did not strike at Roots Hall as two first half goals brought a victory which never really saw his side break sweat.
At the start of the season United were 66/1 outsiders with many bookies to take the Third Division title, but those odds, with just five games of the campaign left, have been slashed to evens as Blues, who actually went bottom of the table following defeat to Rovers in late August, have come into form at just the right time to shake up the leading pack. Should Yeovil Town not win at relegation-fighting Rushden & Diamonds, United will remain at the summit as they prepare for next Sunday’s LDV Vans Trophy Final against Wrexham at the Millennium Stadium.
Tilson fielded the same side which easily saw off Cambridge United at the Abbey Stadium the previous Monday, with striker Freddy Eastwood shaking off a calf injury to retain his place up front against a Gasheads sides looking for revenge for their LDV Vans Area Final defeat.
It was the visitors from the West Country who created the first chance on eight minutes, John Anderson heading a James Hunt free kick off target, but it wasn’t long until the League leaders took the ascendancy as a low Kevin Maher free kick was laid off the Mark Bentley who’s fierce shot deflected inches over Ryan Clarke’s crossbar.
It was on 14 minutes that the Shrimpers took the lead. Wayne Gray burst through on goal only to see his shot blocked by Clarke, but as the ball fell loose Bentley was on hand to poke home from close range. (1-0)
Twelve minutes later the advantage was doubled from the penalty spot. As Mark Gower’s low ball into the box reached the feet of Gray the quick frontman was barged to the floor by Craig Hinton and referee Iain Williamson had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Gray, ever confident from the spot, duly sent Clarke the wrong way from twelve yards. (2-0)
As the half progressed Southend had chances to extend the lead, with only a fine stop from former Blues-loanee Clarke denying Eastwood his 21st of the season before a Gower cross saw Gray’s looping header bounce off the top of the crossbar
Half-time: Southend United 2 Bristol Rovers 0
The second half saw the visitors from Bristol enjoy a lot of possession as Blues comfortably sat on their two goal advantage, nut nevertheless it was still the home who created the best of the chances, firstly as, just moments after the re-start, a Pettefer cut back saw Gower acrobatically fire the ball over the crossbar.
Clarke, excelling in the visitors goal then made a fabulous double stop to deny both Gray and Eastwood from point blank range after Adam Barrett had nodded a Maher corner towards goal.
Gray missed a fantastic chance on 66 minutes, smashing over the top from close range after Bentley and Eastwood had created the opening before Gower curled an effort off target from 25 yards.
Rovers’ only real chance came when Darryl Flahavan had to get down low to grab hold of a Hunt drive. In fact, such is the confidence of the Blues shot-stopper, Junior Agogo’s goalbound volley was easily controlled by Flahavan – as he delicately brought it down on his chest!
Finally, the last chance of the game arrived with slightly over ten minutes left to play as Maher’s chipped cross saw Bentley’s header loop over Clarke but drop just wide of the upright.
MATCH FACTS
SOUTHEND UNITED…(2) 2 BRISTOL ROVERS…(0) 0
Football League Division Three, Friday, 1st April 2005 @ Roots Hall
The Shrimpers (all navy; 4-4-2):- Darryl Flahavan; Duncan Jupp, Che Wilson, Adam Barrett, Spencer Prior; Kevin Maher, Mark Bentley, Carl Pettefer, Mark Gower (Alan McCormack 84); Freddy Eastwood (Lawrie Dudfield 80), Wayne Gray.
The Gasheads (sky with navy slash, white, white; 4-4-2):-.
Goals: Southend: Bentley 14 (poked in loose ball; inside area; timed at 13:13), Gray 26 (penalty; timed at 25:30)
Bookings: Southend: McCormack (90 – encroachent). Bristol Rovers: Craig Hinton (25 – foul), Dave Savage (44 – foul), John Anderson (58 – dissent), Hunt (79 – foul).
Sent-off: None.
Total Goal Efforts: Southend 19, Rovers 12
Shots/headers on target: Southend 5, Rovers 2
Shots/headers off target: Southend 9, Rovers 5
Blocked shots: Southend 4, Rovers 5
Hit Woodwork: Southend 1, Rovers 0
Corners: Southend 6, Rovers 2
Free Kicks: Southend 20, Rovers 13
Caught Offside: Southend 2, Rovers 4
Match Time:
First Half: 47:22. Second Half: 48:33. Total: 95:55.
Indicated stoppage time: First Half: 2 minutes (Actual: 02:22), Second Half: 3 minutes (03:33)
Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire FA), 9 out of 10 (General Control 5/5, Application of Laws 2/3, Personality & Appearance 2/2)
Attendance: 7,858 (c.150 away fans)
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com
NB. Shots/headers on target includes all goals and Free Kicks includes all penalties.