Southend United 3 Tranmere Rovers 1

It could certainly be said that consistency has been the key in the last few games as Tilson kept the same team that succeeded in clashes with Swindon and Oldham. James Lawson was even kept upfront in favour of the now fit Wayne Gray and Freddy Eastwood who returned from suspension.

Tilson’s decisions appeared to be paying off early on as one player than he could have dropped, in favour of Duncan Jupp, Lewis Hunt linked nicely with Kevin Maher in order to get a chance from inside the penalty area. However the man who has never scored a goal ballooned the ball over the bar.

Lawson Celebrates

Despite this good start from the Shrimpers, Rovers failed to heed the warnings and the boys in blue rightly capitalised. Mark Gower cut onto his left foot and swung a ball towards the back post where he found Mitchell Cole. The former Grays man arrived and headed the ball back across the goal where he found the left boot of James Lawson. Lawson or ‘Peanut’ as he is known to his youth team mates, volleyed the ball first time and despite a deflection off Ian Goodison, the youngster still managed to find the back of the net. (1-0)

Attacks from both teams where largely limited after the goal although Goater went close with a shot the he perhaps could have done better with. Chris Greenacre, who of course could have signed for the Shrimpers in the summer also had a shot from outside the area; Darryl Flahavan relatively easily saved his twenty-five yard shot.

Goater nets from the spot

Greenacre and the rest of the Tramere attack were made to pay for being wasteful and lacking creation as Mark Gower showed the art of creation. The former Spurs man found his way onto the left wing before running into the penalty area and being clearly tripped by Michael Jackson. Shaun Goater was the obvious choice to take the twelve yard kick and netted with confidence. This was despite the delaying tactics used by Tranmere keeper John Achterberg. (2-0)

The travelling side did not waste time in trying to get the equaliser as just minutes later skilfull midfielder Danny Harrison managed to beat Darryl Flahavan but not the cross bar as his effort cannoned off the woodwork. However keeping in with the run of play during the first half Southend had the last effort. Luke Guttridge who has now secured his place in the first team sent a ball onto Shaun Goater’s head but the big Bermudan headed just inches wide.

The phrase ‘a game of two halves’ could certainly be applied to this one as the goal changed the complexion and the travelling side began to dominate. Adam Barrett was key to Southend keeping ahead as he courageously blocked, first from Sam Aiston and then from Danny Harrison.

However there was always going to be one really good chance that Tranmere would have to take in order to get something out of the game. That chance fell to Mark Rankine as a Greenacre mis-hit fell to the Rankine’s feet. Despite this his snap shot went over the bar to the great relief of the best part of the 6691 people who were watching.

Goater notched up his fifth of the season

It came as no surprise that with the quality that Southend now possess that Tranmere would be made to pay for missed opportunities. With Eastwood and Goater up front and Gray and Lawson on the wings the attack was bolstered. So when substitute Eastwood picked up the ball and sent a great through ball to Goater there would be only one result. A goal. (3-1)

Few realised the extent of the victory as they left the ground but as the Shrimpers rose to third position one can only reflect on an excellent start to the season.

Teams
Southend United: Darryl Flahavan, Lewis Hunt, Andy Edwards, Adam Barrett, Che Wilson, Mark Gower (Wayne Gray 57), Luke Guttridge, Kevin Maher, Mitchell Cole (Freddy Eastwood 60), Shaun Goater, James Lawson. Subs not used: Mark Bentley, Jay Smith, Spencer Prior.

Tranmere Rovers: John Achterberg, Alex Bruce (Mark Rankine 45), Ian Goodison, Gareth Roberts, Nicky Summerbee (Chris Dagnall 76), Jason McAteer (Steven Jenkins 45), Daniel Harrison, Sam Aiston, Chris Greenacre, Delroy Facey. Subs not used: Steve Wilson, Theodore Whitmore.

Match Statistics
Southend United 3 Tranmere Rovers 1

Goals: Southend: James Lawson (Volley from inside penalty area; timed at 15:41), Shaun Goater (Well taken penalty; timed at 32:18), Shaun Goater (Nice finish after reverse pass from Eastwood: timed at 81:18). Tranmere: Delroy Facey (Harsh finish after beating Shaun Goater; timed at 45:18)

Total Goal Efforts: Shrimpers 12 Rovers 12
Shots on Target: Shrimpers 5 Rovers 5
Shots off Target: Shrimpers 4 Rovers 4
Blocked Shots: Shrimpers 2 Rovers 4
Hit woodwork: Shrimpers 0 Rovers 1
Corners: Shrimpers 3 Rovers 5
Free-kicks: Shrimpers 10 Rovers 13
Offsides: Shrimpers 4 Rovers 1