From a personal view it is very difficult to believe that I am actually writing this; last season seemed surreal enough, but for a second year a succession is simply unthinkable. And just to think, we’re sitting third in the League as well!
In the end the aggregate score, 4-3, was exactly the same as the previous year in the Shrimpers favour, but for some reason the second time round appeared more nerve-wracking than the victory over rivals Colchester United twelve months earlier, quite possibly because, having let themselves down in the final last season, both United and it’s supporters were desperate to return and put matters right.
Now, for the second successive year United are Southern Area Champions, and only Wrexham of Division Two stand in the way of Steve Tilson’s men being crowned LDV Vans Trophy winners. The final is on Sunday, 10th April, kick-off presumably 1pm, and of course at
On the pitch, Tilson made one change from the side which drew, also 2-2, at
In what was a thoroughly exciting game, the Shrimpers had the first chance after just four minutes, a great run by Wayne Gray resulting in a low shot which was blocked by Rovers goalkeeper Kevin Miller
However, the West Country visitor’s soon came into the game and just two minutes later James Hunt crashed a shot against the top of the crossbar whilst Darryl Flahavan also did well to cling onto a rasping volley from Aaron Lescott.
An enthralling opening ten minutes also saw Freddy Eastwood curled a 20 yard effort inches wide of the post.
As Southend began to dominate proceedings, a low Jupp cross saw Mark Gower fire off target and then an angled shot from Eastwood rolled agonisingly wide of the post following a fantastic run and cross from Gray.
Then United took the lead right on the half hour mark. Rovers shot-stopper Kevin Miller spilled a fierce Eastwood shot and Gray reacted first to poke home the loose ball from close range. (1-0)
Rovers though were level again just a minute before the break. Spencer Prior was caught kapping on the left flank and lost out to substitute Ryan Williams, who’s run and cross found Junior Agogo. Agogo turned a fired goalwards and his zipping shot took a wicked deflection off Richard Walker before bouncing in the net. (1-1)
Half-time: Southend United 1
The second half wasn’t quite as quick to come to life as its predecessor, but the first chance, just before the hour saw Eastwood head a Gray cross against the crossbar. Prior then nodded a Gower corner inches over the top.
The lead was regained on 61 minutes. Brilliant work by Gray out on the left first won the ball and then produced a terrific downfield dash and low cut back which Eastwood turned on and managed to poke past the advancing Miller. (2-1)
With Ian Atkins’ men trying to force their way back into the game, Lescott rippled the side-netting before Agogo magnificently volleyed a second from the most acute of angles on 73 minutes to set-up a grandstand finish. (2-2)
Southend had chances to to completely put the tie beyond Rovers late on, Mark Bentley stabbing into the arms of Miller and the same player sending a diving header, from a Gower flag-kick, inches off target.
In the end the last ten minutes need not have been as nerve-wracking as they were as United comfortable held on to reach that magnificent prize of the Millennium Stadium.
MATCH FACTS
SOUTHEND UNITED…(1) 2 BRISTOL ROVERS…(1) 2
LDV Vans Trophy, Southern Area Final 2nd Leg, Tuesday, 8th March 2005 @ Roots Hall
The Shrimpers (all navy; 4-4-2):- Darryl Flahavan; Duncan Jupp, Che Wilson, Adam Barrett, Spencer Prior; Kevin Maher, Mark Bentley, Mark Gower (Nicky Nicolau 90), Carl Pettefer; Freddy Eastwood, Wayne Gray (Lawrie Dudfield 84). Unused subs – Michael Kightly, Tesfaye Bramble, Craig Holloway.
The Pirates (sky with navy slash, white, white; 4-4-2):- Kevin Miller; Craig Hinton, Robbie Ryan, Christian Edwards (Ricky Shakes 64), Steve Elliott; Paul Trollope (Ryan Williams 40), James Hunt, John Anderson, Aaron Lescott; Junior Agogo, Richard Walker. Unused subs – Lewis Haldane, Jamie Forrester, Ryan Clarke.
Goals: Southend: Gray 30 (poked home a rebound; inside area; timed at 29:33), Eastwood 61 (turned and fired in; inside area; timed at 60:50). Rovers: Agogo 44 (shot deflected in; inside area; timed at 43:08), Agogo 73 (volley; inside area; timed at 72:48)
Bookings: Southend: None. Rovers: Hunt (23 – foul), Anderson (42 – foul).
Sent-off: None.
Total Goal Efforts: Southend 16, Rovers 10
Shots/headers on target: Southend 6, Rovers 4
Shots/headers off target: Southend 7, Rovers 4
Blocked shots: Southend 2, Rovers 1
Hit Woodwork: Southend 1, Rovers 1
Corners: Southend 8, Rovers 0
Free Kicks: Southend 15, Rovers 5
Caught Offside: Southend 10, Rovers 3
Match Time:
First Half: 47:07. Second Half: 48:31. Total: 95:38.
Indicated stoppage time: First Half: 2 minutes (Actual: 02:07), Second Half: 3 minutes (03:31)
Referee: Phil Crossley (Kent FA), 8 out of 10 (General Control 5/5, Application of Laws 1/3, Personality & Appearance 2/2)
Attendance: 8,145 in Jobsworth figures (really around 9,800) (c.350 away fans)
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com
NB. Shots/headers on target includes all goals and Free Kicks includes all penalties.