However, a battling performance from Steve Tilson’s merry men saw the Vetch become slowly subdued as the game went on, and had United been slightly more positive they could well have been coming home with all three points.
Unfortunately Macclesfield Town’s victory over leaders Yeovil Town on Saturday afternoon sends the Shrimpers down to fifth spot, but with all of the top three sides only six points ahead, United’s dream of a top three finish, and automatic promotion, is very much still on.
In a match which was surprisingly slow to come to life, the first chance of any real note did not arrive until the 26th minute when Leon Britton, a former United trialist, saw his 20 yard effort bobble just wide of Darryl Flahavan’s post.
In-form Shrimpers custodian Flahavan also had to be alert to block with his legs at the near post from tubby striker Lee Trundle before a low Trundle drive was comfortably gathered at the second attempt.
Half-time: Swansea City 0 Southend United 0
The Welsh side caused United problems immediately after the interval, with Flahavan brilliantly denying Paul Connor from close range before the ex-Rochdale frontman saw his header crash back off the crossbar after Trundle’s low blocked shot had fallen loose.
It was on 54 minutes that Kenny Jackett’s side took the lead, Trundle fantastically turning and volleying home a long set-piece from 15 yards. (1-0)
The goal suddenly saw Southend spring to life though and having had a blatant penalty appeal turned down when Kevin Austin upended Lawrie Dudfield, for which Dudfield was amazingly cautioned, the Shrimpers, with their first effort on target, levelled just five minutes later. Wayne Gray chased down a long through ball before sprinting clear pf the City rearguard a steering a well-placed shot past the desparing left arm of goalkeeper Willy Gueret. (1-1)
Swansea, not downhearted, continued to pile pressure on their opponents, but Southend were fully alert in defence and Brad Maylett caused few problems as his curling angled shot flew wide.
Mark Bentley, despite having his shirt firmly tugged by Austin, did remarkably well to force a save out of Gueret with a fierce long range drive before, deep into stoppage time Trundle caused Tilson’s men a bit of a scare when his sharp shot rippled Flahavans’s side netting.
MATCH FACTS
SWANSEA CITY…(0) 1 SOUTHEND UNITED…(0) 1
Football League Division Three, Friday, 4th February 2005 @ The Vetch Field
Goals: Swansea: Trundle 54 (volley on the turn; inside area; timed at 53:31). Southend: Gray 59 (neat run and finish; inside area; timed at 58:49).
Bookings: Swansea: None. Southend: Pettefer (49 – foul), Dudfield (56 – diving), Prior (57 – dissent), Bentley (60 – foul).
Sent-off: None.
Total Goal Efforts: Swansea 14, Southend 6
Shots/headers on target: Swansea 7, Southend 2
Shots/headers off target: Swansea 6, Southend 3
Blocked shots: Swansea 0, Southend 1
Hit Woodwork: Swansea 1, Southend 0
Corners: Swansea 8, Southend 4
Free Kicks: Swansea 17, Southend 18
Caught Offside: Swansea 3, Southend 5
Match Time:
First Half: 46:15. Second Half: 47:52. Total: 95:07.
Indicated stoppage time: First Half: 1 minute (Actual: 01:15), Second Half: 2 minutes (02:52)
Referee: Mark Warren (West Midlands FA), 2 out of 10 (General Control 1/5, Application of Laws 0/3, 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.