Southend manager Rob Newman rung the changes in his starting line-up following the Shrimpers poor performance in the defeat at Kidderminster Harriers two days ago.
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United started well, Phil Whelan flicking a Damon Searle corner just off target on four minutes before Whelan headed a right wing Mark Beard cross just over from six yards five minutes later.
Exeter, despite taking time to find their feet began to work their way into the match and started to create openings, powerful striker Steve Flack heading the ball back to Graeme Tomlinson who fired the bal high over the crossbar.
In the 19th minute referee Joe Ross, who has the reputation as the league's worst official, bizarrely cautioned Barrington Belgrave for an innocuous challenge on former Colchester United midfielder Paul Buckle.
Two minutes later the visiting side took the lead, Tomlinson finding it all too easy, gliding through United's sleepy defence before cooly slotting the ball past Darryl Flahavan from 15 yards.
As Southend searched for the chance to get back on level terms Kevin Maher slipped the ball into the path of Belgrave, but the stocky frontman was denied by sliding custodian Arjan Van Heusden. Glenn Cronin tugged at Maher's shirt in the 36th minute and the midfielder's 45 yard free kick was headed wide by Whelan from 10 yards. Just three minutes later however Southend finally got themselves back into the contest, Ross having no choice but to award a penalty when Buckle punched Belgrave's shot off the line with huis fist. Ross also had no option but to dismiss Buckle. Maher confidently sent Van Heusden the wrong way from the spot to put United back on level terms.
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As Exeter manager John Cornforth raged over both the penalty and Buckle's sending-off, United took the lead within sixty seconds. Steven Clark touching the ball to Mark Beard who's cross was perfection for Whelan who jumped the highest to head the ball into the bottom right hand corner.
As a highly-charged first period came to a close both Ian Selley and Steve Flack were cautioned following a tussle before Damon Searle curled a 25 yard free kick over the crossbar.
The second half was virtually all Southend, Belgrave being the first to test Van Heusden, shooting straight at the City goalkeeper from 25 yards. Van Heusden had to be on his toes again in the 50th minute, Belgrave latching onto a Selley pass, turning his man before finding his goalbound shot grasped by the former Port Vale and Cambridge United shot-stopper.
Much to the amusement of the Roots Hall crowd Ross fell over in the 55th minute as Clark beat three defenders before Van Heusden halted the winger's run, bravely diving at Clark's feet to gather the ball.
Belgrave's strong 63rd minute run resulted in a shot which was deflected wide for a corner. Two minutes later a short corner routine involving Searle and Selley resulted in Whelan heading just wide of the post. A rare visiting attack then saw Cronin shoot straight at Flahavan. Flack then flicked the ball onto Jay Richardson who shot high and wide.
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Four minutes later Whelan stabbed the ball just wide of the near post following another short corner routine, this time involving Maher and Selley.
Man-of-the-match Clark beat City youngster Shaun Gough on the riht flank before crossing for Whelan to nod the ball back to Maher who's shot was blocked by Cronin. Exeter then came close with Breslen testing Flahavan and Tomlinson shooting just over.
Southend's final chance came in the final minute, Whelan skilfully turning Alex Watson before firing in a cross which saw Stuart Thurgood's powerful header blocked by Watson.
Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com
- Former Southend United striker Danny Pitts was on the score sheet for Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday afternoon in the Ryman League Division Two, whilst in the Premier Division former United youngster Gareth Cleverly made his home debut for Heybridge Swifts.