Steve Tilson’s Shrimpers, victorious over local rivals Colchester United in last season’s Area Final, before losing to Blackpool in the Millennium Stadium final, find themselves just one tie away from the big time once again, and this time its Bristol Rovers, Division Three rivals, who stand in the way of another South Wales dream date.
United had very few problems in seeing off a surprisingly poor Swindon side, although the Essex side impressed their supporters with a performance much improved from the recent league outings against Notts County and Mansfield Town, with two changes made to the side following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Field Mill; Mark Bentley returning from suspension to replace Mark Gower – rested as a precaution ahead of the crucial clash with Darlington at the weekend – whilst Wayne Gray replaced Freddy Eastwood in attack.
On a bitterly cold evening, it was the home side who created all the early openings, although a game which was slow to come to life didn’t produce a real opportunity until the 22nd minute when a dangerous low cross from skipper Kevin Maher missed everybody in its path and slithered just inches wide of the far post.
Mark Bentley let rip towards goal for the first time as his 20 yard shot flew over the top of Rhys Evans’ crossbar before a neat move involving Nicky Nicolau, Lawrie Dudfield and Adam Barrett saw the latter stab just over the crossbar.
A great Dudfield run resulted in a low angled shot which rippled the side netting on its way wide of the target before Swindon’s first half chance saw Darryl Flahavan easily deal with Sam Parkin’s weak header from a Stefani Miglioranzi cross.
It was on 33 minutes that Southend grabbed their deserved lead. A superb Maher through ball set Dudfield loose, and as Jerel Ifil slipped, Dudfield found space to lob Evans, with the ball finding the back of the net despite the very best efforts of Matthew Heywood on the line. (1-0)
Half-time: Southend United 1 Swindon Town 0
Swindon were a much improved side after the break, they had to be, but it was Southend who still started the brightest. Evans was called upon to push away a Dudfield shot following a neat Bentley through ball ands then Gray’s header, from a Maher corner, clipped the top of the crossbar on its way over.
A low free kick from Matthew Hewlett curled through Southend wall, but dropped wide of the upright before the games was put beyond any doubt on 73 minutes. Gray’s determination forced Ifil into conceding a corner, and from the resulting right flank flag kick, Nicolau’s low delivery somehow eluded goalkeeper Evans and swung straight into the bottom corner of the net. (2-0)
Swindon gave their all in trying to weave their way back into proceedings, Grant Smith tested Flahavan from the edge of the area before Miglioranzi dragged an effort wide. However, despite Flahavan making a fine reflex stop to deny Rory Fallen after a quick thinking centre from substitute Jamie Slabber, there was no way back for the Division Two side.
The Shrimpers now face an interesting Area Final with Bristol Rovers, with a place in the Final to face Wrexham or Oldham Athletic. We will give you all the details on the two legs with the Gasheads as soon as we have them.
MATCH FACTS
SOUTHEND UNITED...(1) 2 SWINDON TOWN…(0) 0
LDV Vans Trophy Area Semi-Final, Tuesday, 25th January 2005 @ Roots Hall
Line-ups:
The Shrimpers (4-4-2; navy shirts, navy shorts, navy socks):- Darryl Flahavan; Lewis Hunt, Che Wilson, Adam Barrett, Spencer Prior; Kevin Maher, Mark Bentley, Carl Pettefer, Nicky Nicolau; Wayne Gray (Freddy Eastwood 89), Lawrie Dudfield. Unused subs – Michael Kightly, James Lawson, Duncan Jupp, Craig Holloway.
The Robins (4-4-2; red, red, red):- Rhys Evans; Sean O’Hanlon, Grant Smith, Matthew Heywood, Jerel Ifil; Rory Fallon, Matthew Hewlett, Lee Holmes (Brian Howard 74), David Duke (Andy Nicholas 71); Sam Parkin, Stefani Miglioranzi. Unused subs – Alan Reeves, Luke Garrand, Steve Book.
Goals: Southend: Dudfield 36 (lobbed over Evans; inside area; timed at 35:32), Nicolau 73 (straight in from corner; outside area; timed at 72:12).
Bookings: None.
Sent-off: None.
Total Goal Efforts: Southend 11, Swindon 9
Shots/headers on target: Southend 4, Swindon 4
Shots/headers off target: Southend 6, Swindon 2
Blocked shots: Southend 0, Swindon 3
Hit Woodwork: Southend 1, Swindon 0
Corners: Southend 8, Swindon 2
Free Kicks: Southend 10, Swindon 18
Caught Offside: Southend 2, Swindon 3
Match Time:
First Half: 46:01. Second Half: 48:09. Total: 94:10.
Indicated stoppage time: First Half: 1 minute1 (Actual: 01:01), Second Half: 3 minutes (03:09)
Referee: Phil Joslin (Nottinghamshire FA), 3 out of 10 (General Control 1/5, Application of Laws 1/3, Personality & Appearance 1/2)
Attendance: to follow
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com
NB. Shots/headers on target includes all goals and Free Kicks includes all penalties.