• Welcome to the ShrimperZone forums.
    You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which only gives you limited access.

    Existing Users:.
    Please log-in using your existing username and password. If you have any problems, please see below.

    New Users:
    Join our free community now and gain access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and free. Click here to join.

    Fans from other clubs
    We welcome and appreciate supporters from other clubs who wish to engage in sensible discussion. Please feel free to join as above but understand that this is a moderated site and those who cannot play nicely will be quickly removed.

    Assistance Required
    For help with the registration process or accessing your account, please send a note using the Contact us link in the footer, please include your account name. We can then provide you with a new password and verification to get you on the site.

Episode 42 - 1954-55 the Last Season at the Stadium

I thoroughly enjoy these posts..great to learn the history..never saw a game at Grainger Road but its all interesting...I remember the site of course and that they used to play reserve games...Mt own Dad said it was a poor stadium and a lousy pitch!...Thanks again to DoDTS!!
 
Episode 11:
Blues beat the Only Unbeaten side in the League

No. 14 Div 3 (South) Saturday 9th October 1954
Southend United 3-2 Bristol City

Bristol City the only unbeaten side in the football League were finally humbled by the Blues. A warm welcome was given to former train Wilf Copping now employed by Bristol City, disappointed as he was the blow was softened by the fact that it was old club that had proved triumphant. Southend started strongly and the City goal had some narrow escapes before Blues took the lead in the 33rd minute, the goal originated from a corner the ball coming to Burns some 35 yards and his drive entered the top corner of the net like a rocket. This goal brought a great roar from the crows but six minutes later City were back on level terms and that was the end of the scoring for the first half and City must consider themselves fortunate to be on level pegging. Further shocks were in store for City however, two minutes later they were behind again with the Baron/Bainbridge combination working well, Bainbridge scoring with a flashing drive. In the 61st minute Blues forced a corner which lead to their third goal Bainbridge took the kick which found Joe Sibley who’s first time drive had such terrific force that the goalkeeper also ended up in the net. Blues were well on top now but with ten minutes to go City pulled one goal back with a sweeping cross drive. Team:
Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.


1570738294048.png

Saturday 9th October 1954 Football Combination Cup:
Brighton 2-1 Southend United

Wednesday 13th October 1954 Football Combination Cup:

Southend United 3-2 Queens Park Rangers.
United reserves defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-2 at the Stadium and the main feature was the return of form of Bill Anderson, the player that scored five times in the public trial but hasn’t scored since until this match. He opened the scoring with a powerful drive after 23 minutes. Rangers equalised but after 72 minutes play Anderson again put Blues in the lead. Rangers came back for a second time and equalised but after 77 minutes Whyte went through the defence to score the winning goal. The Blues finished in fifth place in the Combination Cup

Next Thursday Episode 12:
Disappointment at Torquay
 
"This goal brought a great roar from the crows..." - and a great smile from me! Nice to know we had avian supporters in those days!
 
"This goal brought a great roar from the crows..." - and a great smile from me! Nice to know we had avian supporters in those days!
People were raven about that goal for years.

Did you know that, back then, the collective noun for Southend fans was a 'murder'?
 
Last edited:
Thursday Episode 12:
Disappointment at Torquay


No.15 Div 3 (South) Saturday 16th October 1954
Torquay United 4-1 Southend United.

For a spell of ten minutes in the second half of this fast game, Southend showed attacking superiority and it seemed inevitable that they would wipe out Torquay’s slender lead of 1-2 but Torquay threw off the challenge and went on to win by a comfortable margin. Southend had run into trouble in the 10th minute when Lawler handled in the area and Torquay scored from the penalty spot. Four minutes later Torquay went further ahead but Southend were not downhearted and in the 21st minute reduced the arrears. Hollis, a persistent trier broke through to slam the ball into the back of the net. Shortly after the interval came Blues period of dominance but the deadlock went Torquay’s way when a 45 yard free-kick was headed home and then a fourth goal was headed home in the 86th minute.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.


1571323547408.png

Football Combination - Saturday 16th October 1954:
Southend United 1-1 Swansea Town.

Because of the early kick-off (at the request of Swansea to help with travelling arrangements) hundreds of United supporters saw just over half of the match, they were the lucky ones, the ones that had to stand or sit through the whole match must have wished they had stayed at home. The ball was constantly in the air, miss kicks were frequent and neither side could raise a gallop, in fact the players used more energy in the pre-match kick about. United took the lead in the tenth minute when a high cross from Dicker was misjudged by the goalkeeper and Robinson was on hand to scramble the ball into the net. Swansea equalised before the break when the Blues defence fell back tamely.

ROOTS HALL
Efforts by the Southend United management to complete the deal to finish Roots Hall project continue. It is hoped that Barclays Bank will advance the money for the project and a meeting has been arranged.

Next Thursday Episode 13
The Best Win of the Season So Far
 
Episode 13
The Best Win of the Season So Far

No.16 Div 3 (South) Saturday 23rd October 1954
Southend United 4-0 Brighton.

Southend recorded their best win of the season while Brighton suffered their worst defeat and the performance of Brighton was a surprise to all, for they had been well in the promotion race for the past three years, but they were never in the game, and within 24 minutes Brighton were losing 3-0. Blues took the lead after five minutes Sibley sent across a low cross, Hollis flicked the ball to Bill Anderson who forced the ball past the goalkeeper and when he retrieved the ball from the net it was his first touch. After 12 minutes Blues went further ahead through Hollis. In the 24th minute Hollis was brought down in the area but it was a surprise when a penalty was awarded which seemed very harsh. Burns made no mistake with the spot-kick. After this Blues eased up, and it wasn’t until three minutes from time that Jackie Bridge scored the fourth and final goal. Brighton were a well beaten side but despite the score it was a moderate game.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, W. Anderson and Bainbridge.

1571945443076.png



STATEMENT ABOUT ROOTS HALL
The Southend United board of directors made a statement which included; “The erection of the stands together with the incidental work on the ground has been estimated at £28,000 and quotations now in the hands of the directors indicate this figure was soundly based. Steps have already been taken to finance the project and it is confidently expected that all essential work will be completed for the United to commence there 1955 programme at their new home.” Meanwhile Alderman Cox who has been a director for just under a year is appealing to shareholders who wish to sell their shares to sell them to him at 2s 6d (12½p) each which is above the price being offered elsewhere. “I have complete faith I the future of the club and in its soundness of the move to our new ground at Roots Hall.

BALANCE SHEET
Southend United’s balance sheet shows a trading loss of £7,145 and this year for the first time since 1947 shows a bank overdraft of £4,856. Gate receipts were slightly down as were season ticket sales and the share from away games. There were reductions in players wages and travelling costs but Police costs had increased. The club had paid £3,700 more for transfers than had been received.

SUPPORTERS CLUB STATEMENT
Full support for the Roots Hall project is given by the Supporters Club in a statement issued: “Since the scheme was first mooted we have endeavoured to provide the necessary finance and in addition much support has been supplied in various ways. We are convinced that taking a long term view that moving to a ground designed for FOOTBALL only, with ample provision for the 1s 9d supporter is essential. It is generally agreed that at the Stadium unless an admission fee in excess of 1s 9d is paid no worthwhile view of the game can be obtained. It is clear therefore that in these circumstances attendances at the Stadium can never support the club financially

Episode 14
Dramatic Equaliser at Reading
 
Episode 14
Dramatic Equaliser at Reading

No.17 Div 3 (South) Saturday 30th October 1954
Reading 1-1 Southend United.

A dramatic goal 30 seconds from time scored by former Reading player Ken Bainbridge gave United a well earned point and prevented Reading from securing their first home win. It was certainly a hard fought match which the Blues had to battle with depleted troops as Bill Anderson was badly fouled after thirty minutes and spent the remainder of the match as a cripple on the wing. Jim Lawler and Frank Burns were also injured but no so badly and they continued the fight. With the attack interrupted the defence found themselves under heavy pressure and Harry Threadgold put up a splendid display. After Blues were a goal down they still went on struggling and in the closing stages were definitely on top. In the final seconds Burns sent Hollis away but with the goalkeeper expecting a shot Hollis crossed for Bainbridge to rush in and head a fine goal. This was met with silence from the Reading supporters. It was difficult to judge the form as they were hampered by injuries, but there can be no doubt about their fighting spirit.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, W. Anderson and Bainbridge

1572515970316.png

1572515561776.png

Football Combination - 30th October 1954:
Queens Park Rangers 1-5 Southend United.

The Reserves did themselves and their club great credit by defeating a strong QPR side by no less than 5-1. Whilst the score flatters them somewhat there was no doubt to their superiority, especially in the second half when they played delightful football in both attack and defence. Goals were scored by Cyril Grant (2), Whyte, Dicker and Macdonald while the Rangers scored a remarkably fine goal. This was certainly a game worth writing home about, a match to remember. Crichton Lockhart signalled his re-appearance by bursting through the Rangers defence from the kick off, a peach of a pass to Grant and the United were one up and the Blues never looked back from that promising start.

London Mid-Week league - 30th October 1954:
Southend United “A” 1-5 Tottenham “A”.
Poor finishing an inability to finish cost
the Blues the points in the match played at the Stadium as both the first and second teams were away. Spurs took the lead in the 17th minute but Oakley, the only professional in the Blues side equalised but a mix up in the Blues defence gifted the visitors the lead. The second half saw Blues on the attack for the first 30 minutes but then they faded and in the last 15 minutes Spurs scored three times, to give a 1-5 result which really flattered them.

Wednesday. 3rd November 1954 London Mid-Week League;
Southend United “A” 1-2 Charlton “A”


Next Thursday Episode 15
Coventry City a Tough nut to Crack?
 
Episode 15
Coventry City a Tough nut to Crack?

No.18 Div 3 (South) Saturday 6th November 1954
Southend United 1-0 Coventry City.

Everybody expected Coventry to be a tough nut to crack as they are amongst the leaders in the Division, but on this form they did not live up to their reputation. Blues were worthy winners and it was only the brilliance of the Coventry goalkeeper that the victory margin was not considerably larger. Coventry lacked life and urgency and from their play you would think they were three goals up. United had the majority of the play but it was not until the 56th minute that the Bainbridge/Baron combination paid dividends and this goal was enough to secure the points. Baron broke through flicked the ball out to Bainbridge who scored with a shot from a very narrow angle. Play got a little scrappy towards the end of the game and the final whistle came with Blues undisputed and deserving winners. Team: Scannell; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

1573197247280.png


Appearances as at 6th November 1954:
S. Anderson, Bainbridge, Hollis and Pavitt 18 each; Threadgold 17; Baron and Burns 16 each; Sibley 13; Duthie and Howe 12; W. Anderson 11; Lawler 8; Stirling 6; Bridge and Smith 5; Whyte 3; McDonald and Scannell 1 each, (18 in all).​

Goal scorers as at 6th November 1954:
Bainbridge 10,Baron 9; Burns and Hollis 8 each; W. Anderson, Bridge and Sibley 1 each, (34 in all).


Football Combination - Saturday 6th November 1954
Leyton Orient 4-2 Southend United.

With a little luck on their side Southend Reserves would have saved a point at Leyton Orient. In the second half when they were 2-3 down the Blues staged a great rally but Orient scored from a breakaway to put the result beyond doubt. The home side were on top form and quickly established a two goal lead but Chrichton Lockhart reduced the leeway before half time. In the second half Orient added a third but Blues fought back and a goal from McDonald gave the Blues a great chance until the breakaway. After three games Blues were eighth in the combination table of 16 clubs.

F.A. Cup Draw:
Southend have been drawn away to Bristol City in the first round of the F.A. Cup and this will certainly be a tough game as they are currently leaders of the Division. It was of course the Blues that smashed their unbeaten record at the Stadium in October Tickets for the Cup match will be on sale at 5s 6d (27½p) and are available from the Supporters Club headquarters. Westcliff Motor Services are running coaches to Bristol at one guinea each (£1.05) leaving at 7 a.m.

MATCH FEES
We hear that a Third Division club states that the fees and expenses of a referee and his linesman in a recent match totalled over £20. Says the secretary, another £ or so more and the expenses would have been equal to the weekly wages of two first eleven players. Something is wrong surely in the appointment of officials when a club has to foot a bill like this. From the Southend v Coventry programme

Next Thursday Episode 16:

Lady Luck not with Blues at Southampton
 
Episode 16: Lady Luck not with Blues at Southampton

No.19 Div 3 (South) Saturday 13th November 1954
Southampton 3-0 Southend United.

From the score-line you would think that Blues had little of the game and were well and truly beaten but that was not the case. They fell behind in the 27th minute of the first half when Southampton scored from a corner. However Blues came out in the second half with their sleeves rolled up and continued to dominate matters. Lady luck was not with them and on four occasions the ball was scrambled away from the Southampton goal-line, but its goals that count and the Blues attack lacked punch, especially Hollis who sadly lacked the thrust he displayed last season. In the 83rd minute Southampton latched on to a long clearance and scored with a fine drive. Two minutes later a third was added with a powerful shot from the wing and effectively the game was over.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

1573750030236.png


1573749879212.png

13th November 1954; Football Combination:
Southend United 2-1 Crystal Palace.

Few players earned bouquets from this match when only in the last fifteen minutes when the United scored two quick goals did the supporters have anything to shout about. In the first half Palace had scored a simple goal, and it looked as this might be enough to win both points. Then McDonald the least impressive of the 22 on the field scored both the Blues two goals.

Next Thursday Episode 17;

Victory Night in the High Street and around the Town
 
Episode 17;
Victory Night in the High Street and around the Town


F.A.Cup Round 1 Saturday 20th November 1954
Bristol City 1-2 Southend United.

City were in trouble from the kick-off when two of their players collided but both resumed after treatment from Bristol trainer Wilf Copping. Southend appeared to be having the best of it but after 20 minutes it was City that took the lead with a goal after a goal-mouth scramble the first shot was completely missed, but the player recovered and scored with his second attempt. Bristol took the offensive after this success for a while, before the roles were reversed again and it was the Blues in the ascendancy.

In the second half with United now dominating they equalised, burns clearing a City attack took the ball the length of the field before slipping it through to Hollis who scored with a fierce cross-drive. The excitement was now intense and the temperature on the field increased considerably. Then after 73 minutes came the great moment when United took the lead again through Hollis who beat two men and netted with a drive into the far corner. Then followed the longest 17 minutes that the Supporters had to endure, but Blues were taking no chances playing for time. At the end of the game United supporters swarmed onto the pitch to congratulate the team. The Southend united Supporters club band proved a great success as they marched from the station in fine style and were warmly applauded after their display on the ground.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

1574363900879.png



Football Combination - 20th November 1954:
Southend United 2-1 Plymouth Argyle.

It was only the Plymouth goalkeeper that kept the score down or Blues win would have been much more substantial., Blues were the more forceful side from the start but it was McCrory of Plymouth that gave them the lead with a driving shot. Ten minutes later Southend equalised, McDonald racing through, his fast hard shot gave the gallant Plymouth goalkeeper no chance. This goal inspired the Blues and they finally went ahead near the end of the match with a grand shot from Dicker.

VICTORY NIGHT IN SOUTHEND
Saturday night was victory night in Southend, as the news of United’s victory flashed around the town, there were excited outbursts of cheering in the High Street. At the Stadium the crowds clapped and cheered as the final result came through while outside the Standard Office a large crowd congregated where they heard minute by minute reports as they came in. When the players arrived home on Saturday night there was a band of supporters complete with rattles and Club colours to welcome the lads home.

MR. HARRY WARREN
The best news to come for some time from the Blues boardroom was that Mr. Harry Warren the popular manager has been offered and accepted a new three year contract. His present contract was due to expire at the end of this season.

AWAY DRAW IN THE SECOND ROUND
Blues were out of luck again when they were drawn away at Bradford Park Avenue in the second round of the F.A. Cup, and although in the bottom half of the Northern section it is anticipated it will be another difficult game. The stand at Bradford hold 3,300 people and admission charges are 4s 9d and 3s 9d and Blues have been offered their proper share of tickets.

Next Thursday Episode 18:
Bradford Scouts have Nothing to Worry About!
 
Notice that Bristol City trainer was Wilf Copping, formerly Southend United's trainer.

Also on the same day Blues were beating Plymouth Argyle reserves 2-1. Their goalscorer went on to play for the Blues for the next 5 years ... Sammy McCrory!
 
Episode 18:
Bradford Scouts have Nothing to Worry About!

No.20 Div 3 (South) Saturday 27th November 1954
Leyton Orient 5-1 Southend United.

If Bradford scouts were watching this game they would have left the ground rubbing their hands brim-full of confidence for Blues were thrashed 1-5. Although the game was played in atrocious conditions there can be no excuses, they were three goals down at the interval and despite having a minor gale at their backs Orient added a couple more gaols. Blues did play some good football but the defects in their defence were more than obvious. United lost the toss and as a result had to play against the teeth of a gale and found themselves a goal down after conceding a penalty in the 17th minute. It was still anybody’s game at this stage but a disastrous seven minute saw two more goals conceded in the 38th and 45th minutes. Just after the interval a fourth goal was added and then in the 63rd minute the fifth Orient goal was cored despite a desperate attempt by Pavitt to clear his line. In the 77th minute Blues scored their only goal, a penalty converted by Burns.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.


1574981023060.png

Football Combination - Saturday 27th November 1954:
Southend United 1-2 Southampton.

The Brightest thing about the match, apart from the white ball, was the performance of goalkeeper Tommy Scannell. The three goals were nothing to write home about Southampton opened the scoring after a clear run at goal on twenty minutes, and the Blues equalised just before half time when the goalkeeper failed to hang on to a Lockhart cross and the ball fell at Dickers feet, who had no difficulty in scoring. The winning goal was a weird affair, the winger breaking through and shooting from close range but the ball hit McDonald and spun high in the air and into the net past the bewildered Scannell. Blues were now in fifth place in the combination but with games in hand on three of the sides above them.

TRAIN TO BRADFORD
British Rail will run a buffet train to Bradford leaving Southend at 6.30 a.m. while coaches will leave at 5 a.m. The special train is departing Shoeburyness at 5.29 a.m. and picking up at all stations to Benfleet, prices range from 35/6d (1.77½p) to 35s (£1.75). The train will arrive at a station very near the Park Avenue ground at 12 noon.

Next Thursday Episode 19:
Manager Harry Warren frustrated over New Signing
 
Episode 19:
Manager Harry Warren frustrated over New Signing


No.21 Div 3 (South) Saturday 4th December 1954
Southend United 3-1 Gillingham.

Although United beat Gillingham 3-1 they will need to improve considerably if they are to progress to the third round of the F.A. Cup. According to a Bradford director who saw the game there is little doubt about the result a win for the Yorkshire men. The cross-wind must have made things difficult for the players but the United lacked the sparkle and snap they displayed at Bristol. It was not surprising when Gillingham took the lead after 15 minutes. Pavitt was well beaten, Burns backtracking and although Threadgold stopped the initial shot he was helpless with the second. After 36 minutes Blues equalised, Sibley sending Bainbridge away who crossed for Sibley to head through. Southend showed some improvement in the second half and after 54 minutes Bainbridge crossed and Joe Sibley cut in net with a powerful drive. There was only one team in after this and on 70th minutes Hollis added a well deserved third goal.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge

1575544372839.png

DISAPPOINTMENT OVER SIGNING
Most disappointed man in Southend this week is united manger, Mr. Harry Warren, who for the past few weeks has been working all out to secure the return of Aberdeen inside-left Joe O’Neil. There was no doubt whatsoever that O’Neil wanted to return to Southend as was expressed to Harry Warren and the Aberdeen manger, a substantial fee was offered by Southend. Aberdeen then asked to increase this fee by £1,000 which Southend again agreed to, but then a further request to “double” the whole fee including the extra fee was received which was well beyond the financial resources of the club. One thing is certain Southend have done everything in their power to secure O’Neil’s return.

SOUTHEND BAND AT BRADFORD
After due thought Bradford have given sanction for the United Supporters’ Band to make the journey for the cup-tie and if Bristol is anything to go by this is a good move.

SUPPORTERS GOING TO BRADFORD
A large number of supporters will be making the journey, some by train, others by road, starting in the early hours of Saturday morning

Next Thursday Episode 20;
The Most Difficult match since the War
 
Episode 20;
The Most Difficult match since the War


F.A.Cup Round 2 Saturday 11th December 1954
Bradford P.A. 2-3 Southend United.

Southend beat Bradford in a game which was certainly their hardest since the war, if not their hardest of all time. The conditions were atrocious, thick gluey mud made the playing of good football an impossibility. Blues were on the offensive from the start and after four minutes had a goal disallowed by the referee, Hollis had been fouled but shrugged it of and crossed for Bainbridge to net, but the referee called the play back for Southend to take their free-kick. However Blues took the lead in the 17th minute from their third corner which Sibley took, Whyte headed it on for Hollis to nod the ball into the far corner. Half time came without further goals but shortly after the re-start cam ether minutes of high drama. After 53 minutes Bradford equalised but their joy was short lived , Burns sent in a high lob which Hollis netted to send the Southend supporters dancing with joy. In the 67th minute blues increased their lead when Hollis took advantage of a mistake by the Bradford centre-half. Still Bradford had fight in them and two minutes later scored again to bring the game within reach. They sent all out to fore the issue but Blues struggled on to keep the score unchanged.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge

Note: Shortly after this cup defeat for Bradford there manager was sacked, the reason being that as there was going to be no cup run they could not afford his wages, the job going to one of his assistants.

1576148289894.png

Football Combination - Saturday 11th December 1954:
Southend United 1-3 Brentford.

If Southend Reserves could play football as well as they can shout orders to each other they would have won by a comfortable margin instead of losing 1-3. Brentford scored in the opening minutes and latter from a scramble made it 0-2. Minutes after half-time United reduced the leeway through Grant bur 15 minutes later Brentford scored s third to put the result out of any doubt. Team: Scannell; Young and Sheard; Duffy, Stirling and Innell; Lockhart, Duthie, McDonald, Grant and Dicker.

ANOTHER AWAY DRAW
Harry Warren said he was disappointed that for the third time Blues had been drawn away from home, but was confident that the team would acquit themselves well. Blues will commence to sell the 3,500 stand tickets for the Everton cup match, priced at 7s 6d (37½p) and 5s (25p), they will be available from the Stadium or from the supporters club

ROOTS HALL A STEP CLOSER
Southend United moved one step nearer the completion of their dream for a home of their own, when the provision of the money needed to complete the project were successfully arranged. The Contractors who will be undertaking the job of making the borings for the foundations are on site. A “55 Club” is to be formed, where supporters who are prepared to pay £20 for a season ticket, will in return have their own club room where tea and light refreshments will be served during the interval and possible at the end of the game. In addition to the reserves seat and refreshments the £20 fee will also include reserved car parking and the tickets will be transferable.

Next Thursday Episode 21: The "Baron Plan"
 
Last edited:
Southend United moved one step nearer the completion of their dream for a home of their own, when the provision of the money needed to complete the project were successfully arranged. The Contractors who will be undertaking the job of making the borings for the foundations are on site. A “55 Club” is to be formed, where supporters who are prepared to pay £20 for a season ticket, will in return have their own club room where tea and light refreshments will be served during the interval and possible at the end of the game. In addition to the reserves seat and refreshments the £20 fee will also include reserved car parking and the tickets will be transferable.

Oh how I wish I had read that in today's Echo and on the Southend United OS about Fossetts Farm, I can dream can't I?
 
Episode 21: The "Baron Plan"

No.22 Div 3 (South) Saturday18th December 1954
Shrewsbury Town 2-3 Southend United.

Southend can thank the “Baron plan” for their 3-2 victory at Shrewsbury as the fair haired Baron played a Don Revie role of lying well back in midfield serving up some delightful passes to his fellow forwards. Roy Hollis gave the Blues the lead in the 23rd minute when he fastened on to a clearance from Howe and beat the goalkeeper from a few yards. Then it was Baron’s turn firing the ball past the goalkeeper from twenty yards after good work by Sibley but just before half time Shrewsbury pulled a goal back. In the first quarter of an hour of the second half blues defence was hard pressed and in the 50th minute Shrewsbury equalised. Southend were still much the stronger side and it came as no surprise when after 54minutes Hollis set off down the field and coolly beat the goalkeeper for the winner.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

1576786220731.png

Football Combination - Saturday 18th December 1954
Southend United 3-1 Northampton Town.

United Reserves left it late against Northampton for all three gaols were scored in the second half. The first goal was scored by half-back Duffy, easily the best player on the field, he netted with a long range free-kick taken on the half-way line. Six minutes later Lockhart increased the Blues lead from a McDonald cross and Lockhart netted again shortly afterwards with a cross shot from a goalmouth scramble. Northampton scored their solitary goal after 70 minutes.

Next Thursday; Eleven goals over Christmas 1954
 
Last edited:
Episode 22;
Eleven goals over Christmas 1954

Christmas 1954

No.23 Div 3 (South) Saturday 25th December 1954
Southend United 4-1 Norwich City

Blues gave a large Christmas morning (11.00 a.m. kick-off) crowd a treat by trouncing Norwich 4-1. Blues thoroughly deserved their win and the main feature was a brilliant hat-trick by Kevin Baron. Norwich made the running at the start although their defence looked shaky under pressure, but it was the visitors that opened the scoring after 32 minutes. From the restart Blues went on to equalise, Hollis went through flicked it to Baron who netted with a brilliant drive. Two minutes before the Interval Hollis gave the Blues the lead scoring from a goalmouth scramble, and three minutes into the second half Baron notched the third, weaving through before scoring with a well placed drive into the corner of the net. The fourth goal came in the 85th minute scored by Baron after a sparkling interchange between Hollis and Bainbridge.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

Football Combination - Saturday 25th December 1954:
Watford 0-1 Southend United.

The Junior Blues went to Watford on Christmas morning and stole a march on the home side. Although they were disorganised by an injury to Grant Southend United reserves battled on gamely and deserved both points. Only goal of the game was scored in the second half by Leslie Dicker, it was the reserves first away win since October 30th.


No.24 Div 3 (South) Monday 27th December 1954
Norwich City 3-3 Southend United.

Southend came within an ace of completing the double over Norwich when Baron netted in the dying seconds only to see the goal disallowed by the referee. Altogether a draw was probably a fair result in front of an attendance of 21,963 spectators. Main honours of the day must go to Roy Hollis, captain for the day, against his former team, he scored a well taken hat-trick which had the Norwich fans saying “why did we let him go?”. Norwich took the lead early in the game, but Southend equalised in the 11th minute when Hollis hooked the ball home from a Sibley corner kick. In the second half with Norwich again leading Hollis scored his second and he completed his hat-trick ten minutes from the end. In the second half Blues were on the defensive for much of the half and Threadgold made several superb saves.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

1577368579635.png

Football Combination - Monday 27th December 1954:
Southend United 2-0 Swindon Town.

The Reserves played some attractive football throughout the match at Swindon and came out as worthy winners by 2-0. Gordon Barker the Essex cricketer made his debut and his display certainly heartened the crowd. Duffy scored the first goal from a pass by Barker in the 36th minute. The second goal was scored by Anderson in the 60th minute.
Team: Scannell; Young and Sheard; Duthie, Stirling and Innell; Lockhart, Duffy, Anderson, Bridge and Barker.

Next Thursday Episode 23;
Disastrous Start to the New Year
 
I briefly wondered why Southend were below Norwich in the table above (both with a goal difference of +8 but Southend having scored more). But of course in those days it was goal average that decided (48 divided by 40) and that sometimes needed quite a bit of working out to see who was better - especially with no calculators easily available. The change to goal difference came in 1976, see https://www.soccerattic.com/article/goal-difference-arrives-did-it-make-a-difference.
 
I remember as a youngster that around 8th always seemed to be where Blues ended up. Grainger Road always brings back fond memories. :Winking2:
 
Back
Top