Post-Match Thread and Ratings Chesterfield 2-2 Southend United

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher hailed the character of his side following this afternoon’s 2-2 draw at high-flying Chesterfield.

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[Spaceman Spiff]

From the Chesterfield forum:

Sometimes you've gotta credit your opponent.

Southend arrived on a long unbeaten run, set out to stop us playing (five at the back) and worked their effin wobbly bits off today.

Helped by a strong first half wind that saw most our clearances - which unusually for a Cook side went long - come straight back at us.

Was our half time wonder goal lead deserved?

Arguably, as for all their possession the visitors hadn't threatened in the box as we had.

Second half they were on top. More hard work, first and second to the ball, us unable to put together anything like the stuff witnessed Tuesday.

Infact whilst Loach was unlucky not to save the pen' he was lucky to still be on.

Other ref's would've easily raised a red.

So we take the point against an outfit who, mark my words, will also take points off our rivals.

 

[CM2 Blue]

How good is it to now have a team that does not buckle when going behind? We have waited a long time for a group of players that simply do not give up and play for the badge until the very end. Also, our support has been phenomenal this season, home and, especially, away.

Another battling performance and another game unbeaten. Can’t wait for Tuesday and Grimsby at home.

 

[annie1954]

CP says Dennis left the ground on crutches - hopefully nothing too serious.

I saw that and thought good job we have the points in the bag ,I think it’s all about next season now

 

[greyerfox]

Relaxing after lasagne and wine and contemplating on a great afternoon at Chesterfield. First game of the season and a chance to see first hand the new faces in our lineup. A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining game which ended with us getting a richly deserved point. How brilliant to have experienced the fervent support that the team and management have whipped up. Some outstanding performances out there today, not least from Will Atkinson who ran himself into the ground and won the penalty. The transformation from the somewhat sluggish player under PB to human dynamo is nothing short of miraculous. His piece of skill in front of the home fans to extricate himself from a tight spot in the penalty area first half was pure class. How touching to see him at the final whistle get a hug from his mum and dad who sat with us in the away end.
Special mention too for Kensdale who looked very much at home in the back three and Neal for his second half performance. Sam Dalby played a blinder too. Skill levels exemplary.
And full marks to the ref who let the game flow. Yes, he could have dug out the red for the keeper but overall he was one of the best we have seen.
It would have been cruel to have returned pointless. Yes, sure it was an OG in the end which secured the point. But no one could deny that we deserved it. How wonderful it is to have a team worthy of the truly fabulous support it gets. To all who have contributed to this state of affairs a huge vote of thanks You have given us back a reason to be so proud to be a Shrimper.



....

 

[Tinks]

It was good today to see us bite back after going 1-0 down and fight our way back. We would have never done that at the beginning of the season.

Thought Atkinson ran his socks off today and was a stand out man.
Again Dalby is only getting stronger and thought Hobson at times stood up well.
Powell missing that sitter ?‍?‍
Yes it was an OG but I will take all the luck that go our way.

An enjoyable game which we bossed for the first part (and most) of the second half - mind you it was a long trip and well done the 800+ that went.

 

[Lincoln Shrimp]

First of all, that was a great game of football, officiated by a referee who allowed the game to flow as much as he could.
There were plenty of tackles flying in from both sides and no little shirt pulling, but he was consistent in his approach and the spectacle prospered as a result.

First half was a fairly even contest, but we paid the price for failing to close down Jeff King quickly enough and his 25 yard rocket flew in past Arnold, although he should have done better. The ball was moving all over the place on its way into the net but Arny will be disappointed it beat him.
Credit to the boys, roared on by our fantastic 800 strong following, their heads didn't drop and we competed all over the pitch without really carving open the home defence. Dalby appeared to have levelled when his header looked to have crossed the line, although it was ruled out for a foul on the defender.

The second half started and we were pushing from the off. Harrison Neal was outstanding and he began controlling the midfield alongside Atkinson. Davis and Ralph were getting further forwards too which allowed us to attack in numbers and hunt the opposition in packs.

Atkinson charged through and was dragged down by their Keeper Loach giving Dalby the chance to avenge his miss from the spot in the FA Cup tie. In truth it was an average penalty that Loach, having got both hands to it, should have kept out. Somehow it trickled in.

We kept up the high tempo for the next 10 minutes or so and really should have grabbed a second. We were stretching the play at every opportunity and playing some delightful passing triangles.
On 75 minutes Chesterfield brought on the towering Joe Quigley and were suddenly in the ascendancy. They too started stretching the play and from a right wing cross Calvin Miller glanced in a header to restore the host's lead. I was feeling pretty hard done by at this point but I needn't have worried as the players again redoubled their efforts. After a sustained period of pressure Powell was out through but curled his effort inches wide of the post. But then only moments later Bridge (or was it Powell?) put in a right wing ball into the danger area ending with Kerr somehow slicing the ball into his own net. There followed wild scenes in the away end from the Blues fans who had never stopped singing and backing their side all afternoon.

Ratings

Arnold 7 - will be disappointed with the first goal but was calm and assured thereafter.
Davies 7 - grew into the game second half and got forward well supporting the attack.
Ralph 7 - see Davies
Hobson 7 - Stuck to his task really well. Strong in the air and in the challenge. One poor clearance in the first half nearly proved fatal though!
Kensdale 8 -I love the look of this lad. Tall, commanding, aggressive in the challenge with enough pace to deal with balls in behind. I was impressed also by how he dealt with playing on the left of the back 3 despite being right footed.
Lopata 9 - a leader, with a never say die attitude, who commands respect from others. He was always in the right place at the right time. Immense.
Neal 8 - A fantastic second half performance from young Harrison. He drove us forward, chased and harried their players forcing mistakes and allowed us to build attacks much higher up the pitch.
Atkinson 8 - He just never stops and his energy is vital to the team. One bit of skill in the first half on the edge of his own area was sublime!
Husin 7 - A quiet first half, but was much more involved in the second period. His calmness on the ball allowed us to retain possession and force Chesterfield back.
Dalby 9 - wow...a superb performance. Held up the ball delightfully all game with some fantastic skill and clever footwork. Central to this team, bringing others into the game and his strength and awareness is improving week by week.
Dennis 7 - always a threat on the turn, together with some good hold up play. I would like to see him putting in the yards a bit more. He so wanted to take the penalty, but Dalby grabbed the ball first and was always going to take it after scoring the last one. Ralph had to have a quiet word with Dennis to ensure he stepped away.

Something special is being built by Kev, Currie and Benno. The spirit in the squad is the best its been for years. The players are wearing the shirt with pride and have that connection with our supporters again which has been missing for 3 years. We have some quality players in the squad who are all working for one another whilst playing an exciting, attacking brand of football.
As strange as it sounds, the match today had a similar vibe to the promotion game away at Swansea back in 2006. Maybe I'm getting a tad carried away but hey ho!

A final word for our supporters today.....an amazing effort for 90 minutes which drove our players on to get that late equaliser.

I'm loving this new Southend....on and off the pitch.

 

[Blues ‘n’ twos]

Just got home, firstly we were the better side, that’s an opinion without the benefit of beer goggles.
Secondly our support is actually 1st class, I was immensely proud to be a Shrimper today!

 

[Shrimper Brownie]

Spoke briefly to Sam Dalby’s dad today - he said Sam is loving it here, and is having his most enjoyable spell in his career. Also praised Maher and the team for the way they are with players, especially Sam. So good to hear.

UTB

 

[shrimperjon]

Another great day away supporting Southend. Shows how far we’ve come that a point is disappointing but in truth a draw about right. 800 travelled on a near 400 mile round trip and we didn’t stop singing from the first whistle.

as has been said before a few months ago under Brown we would have crumbled and not had the fight to get back into the game. Not this lot. Going 1 down or 2-1 down although disappointing doesnt worry me as there is the belief to fight back in this side. 12 unbeaten and now three home games, 9 points more than achievable

Arnold- ball moved all over the place for the first goal but by his standards he is probably disappointed but he also made a couple of excellent stops and otherwise solid

Davies- worked hard and much better second half as he seemed a bit restricted first half but really like his attacking threat and has pace to burn

Ralph- much like Davies better second half going forward and reliably solid defensively

Lopata, Hobson and Kensdale- dealt well with the long balls being pumped forward and in difficult conditions. Maybe disapointed with the second goal

Neal and Atkinson- worked their socks off and Atkinson shaded the MOM award for me. It was his break that led to the penalty and epitomised his recent performances

Husin- just oozes class, makes the play look so simple at times and keeps the ball moving. By far our best signing by Kev and Co

Dalby- brilliant battling display, maybe got lucky with the penalty but deserved the luck. Needs to learn to fall over a bit more as seems to get man handled every game and gets little protection from refs

Dennis- disappointing again today. Didn’t get stuck in and seemed a yard off the pace, really missed Cardwell up there in a two

Powell and Bridge - both did well, bridge with the cross for the equaliser and looked lively as was Powell who should have scored. Would like to see a front three of Powell, Bridge and Dalby whilst Cardwell is out. Not sure Dennis is giving us what we need at the moment.

but another good day and one to be proud of on the pitch and in the stands. The good times are returning

 

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United fans have their say on Saturday's 2-2 draw at Chesterfield.

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[bertbert]

I really hope Mr Brown is following the results.How the blues should play.Going forwold and upwold.

 

[Gt Yarmouth Shrimper]

A deserved point today. Shame we didn't get the win. But 3 draws on the bounce is 6 points dropped sadly.
Need to get back to winning ways.
Confidence must be high.

Statistically speaking, any game drawn is two points lost, what's your point. (pun intended)

 

[fleabag1]

Best management team in the league. Best fans in the league and becoming best taem in the league (NEVER GIVE UP)

 

[gpd]

Statistically speaking, any game drawn is two points lost, what's your point. (pun intended)

Statistically speaking if any game is drawn it's 2 points lost. Therefore, 3 draws on the bounce is 6 points lost? I think this is the maths Snowy is pointing out. (pun also intended)

 

[Mr Browns Ghost]

Magnificent day felt like a win and the car journey home was buzzing. Quite simply we played one of the best teams ( in league positions) off of the park second half.

Goal out of nothing for them keepers try and push things now instead of getting their hands on it. So when the ball did swivel at the last minute he only had the one hand up trying to push it .

I say we played one of the best teams in tue league, well I honestly thing Chesterfield will be saying that too ..

My first time at the new ground, having been. To saltergate a few times in the past. Typical cheaply built new ground there support looked about 2000 until 5 minutes from kick off where the placed swelled up nicely ! They liked a singsong too noise coming from all stands but as usual the blue army rose up to the challenge much like their team .

Will Atkinson simply put out standing . Like watching the next big thing box to box tricks Diving headers he was superb simply superb , thought Neill was great too. Noor looked quite and maybe Dennis too .. (not criticisms )

Fair play to Dalby our new Andy Rammell after missing a pen up there in the cup he was determined to take this one, much to Matt dennises reluctance . A couple of points on the pen Dennis amd Dalby tussling for who was to take it great captaincy from Ralph dealt with it gave the ball the Dalby and took Dennis to the side to talk to him why he did that ( when all the pushing and shoving between both sets of players was going on) thought that was great

Dalby had every Chesterfield player in his ear pointing up etc mocking him for his last effort. So regardless of how weak the new penalty was it takes some bollox to take it on and face it well done kid ..

They were ever so good down the wings amd when they did get crosses in they looked like scoring so although we were superb they were equally as strong

Thought we simply ripped them a New one second half not sure if we changed formation but there back four and midfield couldn’t contain us .

Wasn’t surprising when they took the lead again as yet again goal from the wings but I said to my son. There is no way we won’t score again and the shrimpers fans once again rose up and so did the team ! Powell and bridge were now on amd bring a real urgency amd power/ drive to the attacking play, Bridgey crosses it in and their big donkey Center half sub with his first touch of the ball buries it into the net 2-2!!

Best part of the day for me was once getting back into the car and old guy and girl walking stick the lot gave us the middle finger as we sat in traffic and they shuffled by hahaha ? brilliant nearly dead but is getting a 2-2 was the point of no return for the old boy ! **** me i would have enjoyed every point and every goal who ever scored it at their age because there won’t be many more to come …

A wonderful away day yet again

 

[shrimperjon]

Statistically speaking if any game is drawn it's 2 points lost. Therefore, 3 draws on the bounce is 6 points lost? I think this is the maths Snowy is pointing out. (pun also intended)

I would say, stats aside, Eastleigh was probably two points dropped but actually we didn’t play well so a point gained. We then drew with Solihull who were the form side in the league and a draw a fair result and again tomorrow have gone toe to toe with a team gunning for promotion. 5 points would have been better but hard to be disappointed with the draws when you analyse the games. It’s about building for next season really and these results will do more for the team than simply picking up a point

 

[Barling Magna]

Dennis- disappointing again today. Didn’t get stuck in and seemed a yard off the pace.

Dennis suffered an ankle injury early on and should probably have been replaced by Powell straight away. He left the ground on crutches according to an earlier post so may have aggravated the damage by staying on.

 

[EastGreenNutter]

Loved that game and well done to all that travelled, the drive home was fantastic after what felt like a win, many years ago this 50 year old used to be part of the singing lot and to be honest I still sing my butt off but credit to the young guns, this generation make some great noise and i feel proud as a Southend fan looking up at these lot singing their hearts out, well done young guns.
Best part of the day was after the match as everyone in the Tesco car park was going nowhere as it was bumper to bumper, I clocked a local going out the back way at the far end of the carpark, away I went straight out and off to the A1 in no time lol, great day out and the management, players and fans are all one.
Roll on the next game.

 

[LBBlue]

I thought it was very brave of Kev to start with Davies and Kensdale, of the 10 outfield starters only Atkinson and Ralph were over 25, with 6 of them 22 and under.

I think most of us wish he would be a bit braver with earlier subs that could give new threats- 10 minutes is not often enough to change a game.

Glen Pennyfather from up in the stands spotted their threat for their first goal right from the first minute as he reckoned that Davies and Ralph were getting pushed so far back it left far too much space for King to do what he liked.

I think we are as good as any in the League now and have nothing to lose going for the improbable.

Let’s hope that Dennis hasn’t made his injury worse be playing on.