Southend United 4 Swansea City 2

Last updated : 19 October 2004 By Mark Wallis

The 20-year old frontman, on a month’s loan from Nationwide South side Grays Athletic, grabbed the fastest goal in United history, just six seconds after kick-off, and also became the first Southend player, post-war at least, to grab a hat-trick on debut.

 

Spencer Prior chipped in with the other goal as Steve Tilson’s side proved that they are, at long last, real promotion contenders.  The Shrimpers have only shifted up to ninth in the League Two table, but sit just three points away from new leaders Leyton Orient and will travel to Scunthorpe United, this coming Tuesday, with an extra bit of confidence.

 

With goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan sitting-out a one match ban following his sending-off against Boston United eight days previously, Ryan Clarke, on loan from Bristol Rovers, deputised between the sticks whilst youth team custodian Nick Morgan was selected ahead of Terry Alderton for a spot on the bench.

 

Other than the goalkeeping change, Eastwood of course came in for his Football League debut, replacing Tes Bramble who was absent with a knee injury.

 

Southend’s amazing first minute strike arrived straight from kick-off.  Mark Gower  played the ball out to Wayne Gray on the left flank, Gray sprinted past his marker before delivering a fantastic ball into the box where Eastwood headed past Willy Gueret from six yards. (1-0)

 

The home side could have been two goals ahead only moments later when Gueret blocked at the feet of Gray before the visitor’s also created an early opening, Clarke doing well to block from Andy Robinson.

 

Gower tested the reflexes of Gueret before Gray also drove a shot just wide of the post.

 

However, with eleven minutes on the clock Swansea grabbed an equaliser.  Lee Trundle’s clever through ball played in Paul Connor and the ex-Rochdale striker chipped a shot over the head of helpless Clarke. (1-1)

 

After such a hectic start, proceedings did calm down somewhat and the next action didn’t arrive until ten minutes before the interval when Trundle curled a shot ito the arms of Clarke.

 

Then, on 42 minutes, Southend pushed themselves in front for a second time when Kevin Maher’s corner was firmly headed home by Spencer Prior. (2-1)

 

Half-time:  Southend United 2 Swansea City 1

 

 

The second half saw United, for the main part, dominate their visitors, and the first opportunity of the half saw Hunt stab an effort wide after a pacey run forward.

 

Then, with 58 minutes played, a fantastic move saw Southend grab a third goal.. Once again Gray sprinted down the wing before sending over a inch perfect cross which Eastwood nodded home from eight yards (3-1).

 

Southend then began the search for a killer fourth goal, with Adam Barrett heading a Jim Corbett cross over the crossbar, but Swansea also forced some chances and Clarke was called upon to push Robinson’s fierce long range drive around the post.

 

The Essex side were given a scare with eight minutes remaining when City grabbed another goal back when Adrian Forbes’ flicked header finished off a neat move. (3-2)

 

However, on 87 minutes Southend restored their two-goal cushion whilst Eastwood completed his hat-trick, picking up a loose ball fully 25 yards from goal before unleashing a low shot which crept into the bottom right hand corner courtesy of a deflection. (4-2)

 

Amazingly, from the resulting kick-off Trundle caught United knapping and hit a hopeful 60 yard shot which dipped over the head of Clarke but bounced back off of the crossbar.