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However, Southend were full value for this much-needed win, and indeed it could have been by a far more comfortable margin had some first half chances have been converted. Saying that though, United, with Tes Bramble in the starting line-up in place of Drewe Broughton, looked a much improved side going forward and with Bramble particularly in good form almost every attack involved the former Cambridge City man somewhere along the line.
Lawrie Dudfield also turned in a vastly improved showing, seemingly happier to be partnering the energetic Bramble, and the pair showed that they should undoubtedly be boss Tilson’s first choice partnership, for the time being at least. It was just a shame neither of the attackers found the target, with goalscoring duties once again falling to defender Adam Barrett, who bagged a brace of headers.
Another change from the side defeated at Bristol Rovers three days earlier saw Che Wilson, another ex-Milton Road man, come in for the unfortunate Nicky Nicolau at left back.
As a result of this match though, Tilson will be forced to make at least one change for the next home game, the visit of Wycombe Wanderers, as captain Kevin Maher will be serving a one-match suspension having already picked up five bookings this season, with today’s and all but one other, for dissent towards the referee.
In front of what was a rather disappointing Bank Holiday crowd, although barely assistant by a tiny away following, Macclesfield could have stolen what has fast become a regular early goal against the Shrimpers. Jon Parkin, who has so often caused Blues problems in the past with York City, burst forward before smashing a fierce shot against the underside of the crossbar with only two minutes on the clock. Fortunately full back Graham Potter placed the rebound well off target.
After that early chance however, it was mainly United who made the running it what was definitely the best showing of the season so far.
Bramble, who more than proved he is worth a starting place every week, struck a shot just wde of Alan Fettis’ post only moments after the Silkmen’s early chance before a fine run by the strong striker created an opening for Mark Gower, but the tricky wideman saw his effort blocked by Michael Briscoe.
Dudfield, showing a lot more movement on the front line, then poked the ball into the arms of Fettis from close range following a neat run and cross from Gower and the ex-Northampton Town striker then saw his 25 yard effort deflected inches wide of the post off Michael Welch, but unfortunately referee Jarnail Singh failed to award the home side a corner.
Meanwhile, the visitors, unbeaten thus far, saw Paul Harsley curling a shot just off target and Matthew Tipton keeping Bart Griemink alert as the Dutch shot-stopper pushed a fierce effort around the post.
Southend came within a whisker of taking a freak lead just after the half hour mark when Fettis’ clearance smacked against Tommy Widdrington before bouncing inches wide of the upright.
Bramble then glanced a header, from a Maher centre, just off target before an impressive low cross by Gower found Dudfield who’s low rasping shot had Roots Hall on its feet for a brief moment, but it flew just wide and more than waggled the side netting.
The lead finally arrived, courtesy of a set piece, with 42 minutes on the clock when Maher’s lobbed free kick into the penalty area was firmly headed home by Barrett at the far post. (1-0)
Barrett then had another effort cancelled out for a dubious foul on the goalkeeper from a Maher corner before the final chance of the half fell to Bramble, who nodded another Maher flag kick just wide of the target.
Half-time: Southend United 1 Macclesfield Town 0
The second period did not get off to the best of starts for United. Dangerous midfielder Danny Whitaker had already zipped an effort just over the top before, on 51 minutes, he pounced on a poor Griemink clearance and accurately slipped the ball back into the bottom left hand corner from all of forty yards to put his side back on level terms. (1-1).
Thankfully, it didn’t take long for United, and Barrett, to strike again. Just a further four minutes later a Gower corner – Southend’s eleventh, and last, of the afternoon – swung into the six yard box where the Blues centre half was on hand to head in once again. (2-1)
With Southend looking to desperately hold on to their first victory of the season, Griemink did well to push a low Tipton shot wide after Widdrington had caught the Shrimpers knapping with a quickly taken free kick.
United were dealt an advantage when impressive custodian Fettis had to leave the action with the aid of a stretcher on 66 minutes after an accidental collision with Dudfield. He was replaced by the rather more nervous looking Steve Wilson.
However, Wilson was not immediately tested and it was the visitor’s who pressed forward and Harsley’s long range effort flew only slightly wayward.
Southend’s final effort on goal, on 89 minutes saw substitute Broughton stab a shot at Wilson following a fine run a through ball by Dudfield.
It was, however, the visitors from Cheshire who could have stolen a dramatic late equaliser when Griemink misjudged a Whitaker cross and Tony Barras headed just wide of the post.
It was not to be though, as Macclesfield maintained their rather unwanted record of having never picked up a single point at Roots Hall. For Southend however, this came as a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Saturday’s difficult looking trip to Rushden & Diamonds’ Nene Park.
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Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com