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

DoDTS

The PL League Boss⭐⭐
Joined
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Location
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For the few that actually enjoy my historical stuff here is the start of this season's offering:

THE LAST SEASON AT THE STADIUM

EPISODE 1 : Summer 1954 Developments

The Roots Hall Development
Southend United supporters would be well advised to overhaul their umbrellas as United Chairman alderman Smith in a special statement declared “Southend United will move to Roots Hall whether the stands are up or not even if we have to take our own umbrellas”. The Profit and loss has not yet been established by the directors for the season just closing but the figure of £7,000 to £8,000 loss quoted recently in the Southend Pictorial is far from correct it is in fact considerably less.

Is their anybody in South East Essex with £30,000 they want to invest? If there is then the Roots Hall Trust Committee would like to hear from them. The committee are now faced with the task of raising this money to build the required stand accommodation, dressing rooms and other administrative needs. The next task is to erect a wall enclosing the ground and prevent trespassing and cut down pilfering. United would like the assistance of volunteers for this purpose preferably those with brick-laying experience. Working at Roots Hall are Blues players Jimmy Stirling, Leslie Dicker and Jackie Bridge.

Letters to the Southend Standard:

Sir – How much longer can the directorate remain a parasite living on a very able Supporters Club a grand band of supporters and season ticket holders. A loss of over £5,000 would have been sustained in season 1952-53 had it not been for the transfer of French and Stubbs. The 1953-54 gate receipts are said to be considerably lower than the previous year and the club appears to be drifting into liquidation. Regardless of these facts the chairman says we will move to Roots Hall whether the stands are built or not, expecting fans to give up the comforts of one of the best grounds in the country to go to a derelict open piece of land not centrally situated not having amenities requisite to a football League Club.
Burgess Road, Thorpe Bay.

Sir
– A lot has been said and written regarding the United move to Roots Hall, I would earnestly ask all who are interested in the future of Southend football to take a look at the ground from West Road. In spite of the growing pains I feel it would be madness to let such an opportunity of a permanent home that could accommodate 50,000 spectators, slip from our grasp.
Season Ticket Holder.

June 1954
An amended scheme for Blues new headquarters at Roots Hall will shortly be brought before the board, but at present the details are a closely guarded secret meanwhile work is carrying on at Roots Hall but damage has been caused by the heavy rainfall that fell during the week-end. .

July 1954 A statement was issued that there will be covered accommodation at Roots Hall for 8,600 fans. There will be 2,100 stand seats, standing accommodation in the North Stand for 2,500 and another 2,500 in the West stand and in front of the seating covered standing for another 1,500. Uncovered accommodation will be for 4,000 with a further 8,500 on the South banking. Eventually it is hoped that the ground will accommodate over 30,000 people. During the past few weeks some of the players have been helping at Roots Hall, keeping the cement mixer working at full pressure etc and their help is greatly appreciated. Southend United Supporters’ Club is wasting no time in getting down to work on the new ground, a start is being made to clear the ground of stones and broken glass and volunteers will be warmly welcomed between 6.30 and 8.30 and don’t forget to bring a sack or bucket.

A TOP AMATEUR CLUB IN SOUTHEND?
With the proposed move of Southend United from the Stadium to Roots Hall the age old question is raised, of Could Southend support a top amateur club as well as the United? The main problem is where would they play and with the Stadium vacant this would seem an ideal answer but is it? Historically the town had Southend Athletic prior to the formation of Southend United and then at the Kursaal Southend Corinthians had a season, but the reality that neither venture was particularly well received in the town and the indifferent reception inevitably lead to their failure. Surely an amateur club must not be seen as direct competition for United as that would defeat its purpose, but with the population of the town and the surrounding areas there are sufficient local players that could rise to this level. Perhaps the biggest reason against is the ground itself and the very reason why the Blues are moving. local players who have played in inter-league matches in front of sparsely populated terraces say it is impossible to give you best in this lack of atmosphere.

Next Thursday Episode 2 ; Pre-Season
 
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This brings back some memories .
At School at the time no money and bored in holidays so a few of us would go to the ground to see what was going on. Chippies were working on the main stand and we ended up running errands for them. Certainly passed the time.
 
EPISODE 2 ; Pre-Season



The Players

The Blues retained list was announced but despite many rumours it contained no real surprises. Tommy Lowder is the only player placed on the transfer list, while [players granted a free transfer are Andrews (half-back), Eric Duggins (full-back), Nash (full-back), McCaul (inside-forward) and Waters (goalkeeper).

Players retained for next season are: Sandy Anderson, Ken Bainbridge, Jackie Bridge, Frank Burns, Leslie Dicker, Jin Duthie, Bobbie Foote, Cyril Grant, Ray Hancox, Roy Hollis, Jimmy Lawler, Crichton Lockhart, Jack McDonald; A. Oakley, Bill Pavitt, Tommy Scannell, Frank Sheard, Joe Sibley, Jimmy Stirling, Dennis Thompson, Harry Threadgold and Doug Young.


Decreased gates and increased expenses has resulted in several clubs reducing terms for their playing staff for next season, other clubs have placed a fairly large proportion of their staff on the transfer list. Southend this week have offered slightly reduced terms to a number of their playing staff. Seven of the retained list of players have been offered part-time terms. It is believed that this list includes Bainbridge and Duthie. If a player is a member of the League team he will receive £!4 per week with the prospect of a £2 bonus for a win or £1 a draw.

Sir – The recent publication of Southend United’s retained list once again leaves supporters completely bewildered by the un-businesslike policies of the directorate. The directors pass a vote of confidence in the team and the reserve team when a drastic pruning is needed in the United’s playing strength, the dead wood must be cut out. Supporters will not stand much more of the stuff they saw last season.
Devereaux Road, Southend.

Sir – I have been a regular supporter for more than 25 years and remember the good old days of dear old Ted Birnie who with practically no money built a good side with many well known players and only on “small gates”. After seeing the retained list all that one can look forward to is the team finishing again in the same position in the league and in the Combination table.
Old Supporter.

These criticisms were largely answered when it was announced:

Southend United have signed a successor to former skipper Jimmy McAlinden in Kevin Baron 26 year inside-right from Liverpool. He has been with the Liverpool club for nine years and during that period made over 150 appearances scoring 32 goals. He also appeared in the 1950 Cup Final when Liverpool were beaten 0-2 by Arsenal. He is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 11 stone, he is not a prolific goalscorer but is a great ball player.

Pre- Season

Blues one and only Public Trial match takes place on Saturday while amateur trials will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays and all amateur players who would like a trial with the United should report to the Stadium with their kit ready for a 6.30 p.m. kick-off . United registered their first win of the season this week but it was at cricket, beating Southend nomads.
From the Southend Standard August 1954



Saturday 14th August 1954

Public Trial Match:
Probables 8-3 Possibles (Kick-off 3.15 p.m.).

In the trial the Probables beat the Possibles and the match was a personal triumph For Bill Anderson one of the pre season signings from Hibernian. The burly inside forward scored five goals for the Blues including a hat-trick while Hollis notched the three remaining goals. United supporters could not moan about the lack of goals, five were scored in the first 30 minutes and six in forty. From what could be seen the trio of Hollis, Baron and Bill Anderson should cause some Third Division sides problems. Goal scorers for the Possibles were Cyril Grant. Durso and Whyte.

Starting Teams:
Possibles: Threadgold; Pavitt and Anderson; Duthie, Stirling and Burns; Sibley, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.
Probables: Scannell; Young and Sheard; Duffy, Howe and Lawler; Smith, Whyte, Grant, Harvey and McDonald.
In the second half both sides made changes.


No changing over to a white ball will be allowed during Football League matches. The League announced the following new instruction: “In addition to the normal type of ball, a coloured ball, not necessary white, but which complies with the requirements of Law 2 shall be available during the months of November, December, January and February. The selected ball must be used throughout the match and changed only if found to be defective, in which case a ball of the same type must be used”.


Next Thursday Episode 3: The season begins
 
Episode 3: The season begins

No.1 Div 3 (South) - Saturday 21st August 1954
Southend United 4-1 Shrewsbury Town.

Over 14,000 spectators were present to see Southend United make a wonderful start to the new season by defeating Shrewsbury 4-1. The two “new” boys showed up well, although Bill Anderson failed to score , Kevin Baron contributed two grand goals which delighted the fans. For the first 15 minutes of the match it looked like Shrewsbury would be more than a match for United, and the visitors took the lead with a close range shot. However this reverse did Blues the world of good they started to work as a team and Baron equalised a minute later after beating three defenders and flashing in a low shot into the net. Blues took the lead when a Baron shot partially saved went to Bainbridge who netted with a first time shot from a narrow angle. Two minutes later Blues went further ahead Hollis burst through the middle at speed and scored with a shot that flashed past the advancing goalkeeper. Although there were no further goals until a minute from time there was no doubt who were the masters. The fourth and final goal came from a corner which Anderson headed against the crossbar and Baron was on hand to make no mistake with the rebound.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Stirling and Burns; Sibley, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.


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Football Combination Cup – Saturday 21st August 1954
Brentford 3-2 Southend United.
.
After being two goals down Southend United Reserves fought back in great style against Brentford and goals by Whyte and Dicker put them on level terms. However the home side got the winner in the second half of a grand game. Blues showed plenty of promise with the four newcomers prominent.

Paddy Leonard former Bristol Rovers inside-right, who was on trial with Southend at the end of last season, made a disappointing first appearance for Colchester against Swindon. Frank Dudley former Blues centre forward scored his 100th goal in league Football on Saturday against Southampton.

No.2 Div 3 (South) - Tuesday 24th August. 1954 Kick off 6.30
Southend United 2-2 Queens Park Rangers
Playing in real winter conditions, blinding rain and strong winds, Southend were held to a draw in front of a crowd of approximately 11,000. Twice Rangers took the lead and twice Blues drew level thanks to Kevin Baron this mighty atom from Liverpool scored two grand gaols both in the second half. Rangers were clearly tougher opposition than Shrewsbury who Blues faced three days earlier. In the first half Blues had plenty of possession and were unlucky but there was also plenty of whistle that seemed to go more in the favour of Rangers. The visitors took the lead after 33 minutes with a low shot, but three minutes after the interval Blues were level, Sibley crossing the ball from the right and Baron connected beautifully to drive the ball high into the net. Rangers stormed back into the game aided by the wind and after 56 minutes retook the lead with goal scored from a corner eight minutes later Blues had equalised. It was one of the best goals seen at the Stadium for some considerable time. Bainbridge made the opening, drew the defence, and a late pass found Baron who netted with a superb first time shot which completely beat the goalkeeper. Both sides strived for the winner but a draw was a fair result.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Stirling and Burns; Sibley, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge

Third Division (South) Table

  1. ….Coventry City…..............2 …. 2….0….0….3….1….4
  2. ….Leyton Orient….............2 …. 2….0….0….3….1….4
  3. ….Southend United……2 …. 1….1….0….6….3….3
  4. ….Exeter City…………………2 …. 1….1….0….4….2….3
  5. ….Gillingham…..................2 …. 1….1….0….2….1….3
  6. ….Northampton Town….....2 …. 1….1….0….2….1….3
  7. ….Queens Park Rangers....2 …. 1….1….0….4….3….3
  8. ….Norwich City………………2 …. 1….1….0….5….4….3
  9. ….Bournemouth & Bos…....2 …. 1….0….1….4….1….2
  10. ….Watford….....................2 …. 1….0….1….4….2….2
  11. ….Millwall….......................2 …. 1….0….1….2….1….2
  12. ….Brighton & Hove Alb..….2 …. 1….0….1….3….2….2
  13. ….Southampton…..............2 …. 1….0….1….6….5….2
  14. ….Bristol City…..................2 …. 0….2….0….3….3….2
  15. ….Colchester United…........2 …. 0….2….0….2….2….2
  16. ….Brentford…...................2 …. 0….1….1….6….8….1
  17. ….Reading….....................2 …. 0….1….1….3….4….1
  18. ….Torquay United…...........2 …. 0….1….1….3….4….1
  19. ….Shrewsbury Town….......2 …. 0….1….1….3….6….1
  20. ….Newport County…..........2 …. 0….1….1….1….2….1
  21. ….Walsall….......................2 …. 0….1….1….2….5….1
  22. ….CrystalPalace….............2 …. 0….1….1….1….3….1
  23. ….Swindon Town…............2 …. 0….1….1….0….3….1
  24. ….Aldershot…...................2 …. 0….0….2….3….8….0

Genial manager Harry warren has again brought home the bacon, when in competition with many other clubs he has obtained the signature on amateur forms of Essex county cricketer Gordon Barker. As well as being a useful cricketer he is no mean footballer and has gained an Army Cup winners medal and is considered one of the best inside forwards in the country.

Blues must be one of the few sides to start the season without a club caption or a trainer-coach. A new training method has been introduced at the Stadium to improve the speed of players, a half crown (12.5p) is placed on the centre line and the players line up on the goal-line. The first man over the line wins the money although there is a certain amount of handicapping.

Motor Coaches for the Aldershot versus Southend United will depart from Pier Hill Depot at 11.30 a.m. Return fare 10s 9d (54p).

Next Thursday Episode 4:
The first defeat of the season
 
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Episode 4: The first defeat of the season

No.3 Div 3 (South) Saturday 28th August 1954
Aldershot 1-0 Southend United.

If Southend are to win matches their forwards will have to improve a lot on this performance, Baron tried to show the way and a couple of his early efforts produced great saves but his example was not emulated by the other forwards. Pavitt was dominating in defence, but an elusive Aldershot winger cut through to score the only goal of the match in the 25th minute with a cross-drive which Burns appeared to deflect. This probably unsighted Threadgold who very nearly reached the fast ball. On the whole however it was a Sporting game in which both sides served up good football at times although Aldershot deteriorated appreciably in the second half.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Stirling and Burns; Sibley, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

Football Combination Cup - Saturday 28th August 1954
Southend United 2-2 Brentford.

He’s a smashing centre-half is the way Blues fans described Dennis Howe, he was tall, domineering and held the defence together. Although the game ended in draw United were the stronger of the two teams, both sides had chances in the first half but it ended goal-less. The second period was 10 minutes old when Blues took the lead, a Dicker cross headed home by Smith. Twelve minutes later a Howe sent a loose ball into the goalmouth, the goalkeeper was barged off the ball by grant and Dicker and the latter smashed the ball into the net. It was all Southend for the next few minutes but Brentford fought back and their second goal was scored ten minutes from time.

No.4 Div 3 (South) Monday 30th August 1954
Queens Park Rangers 1-1 Southend United.

Southend United held Queens Park Rangers to a draw but the hosts came within an ace of giving the Blues a thrashing and it was largely down to goalkeeper harry Threadgold that this didn’t happen who produced some of the most spectacular saves seen at Loftus Road for many seasons. Left-winger Ernie Shepherd opened Rangers score in the 30th minute with a shot that went in off an upright. Rangers were on top for most of the match but the Blues fought back hard after the interval. And 14 minutes after the restart Blues scored the equaliser. A long clearance was taken up field by Sibley and his shot was only parried by the goalkeeper and baron was on hand to tap into an empty net. Team:
Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Stirling and Burns; Sibley, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.



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DIVISION THREE (SOUTH) TABLE:
  1. ….Coventry City….............4 …. 3….1….0….8….5….7
  2. ….Southampton…...........4 …. 3….0….1….11….7….6
  3. ….Bristol City…................4 …. 1….3….0….9….4….5
  4. ….Swindon Town….........4 …. 2….1….1….7….7….5
  5. ….Norwich City………………4 …. 2….1….1….7….5….5
  6. ….Northampton Town…....4 …. 2….1….1….5….4….5
  7. ….Exeter City……….….4 …. 2….1….1….6….5….5
  8. ….Queens Park Rangers..4 …. 1….3….0….7….6….5
  9. ….Gillingham….................4 …. 2….1….1….4….4….5
  10. ….Bournemouth & Bos….4 …. 1….2….1….7….4….4
  11. ….Brighton & Hove Alb..…4 …. 2….0….2….6….4….4
  12. .Southend United…..4 …. 1….2….1….7….5….4
  13. ….Torquay United…........4 …. 1….2….1….8….7….4
  14. ….Reading…....................4 …. 1….2….1….8….8….4
  15. ….Millwall…....................4 …. 2….0….2….5….5….4
  16. ….CrystalPalace…...........4 …. 1….2….1….4….4….4
  17. ….Watford…...................4 …. 2….0….2….8….10….4
  18. ….Leyton Orient…............4 …. 2….0….2….3….7….4
  19. ….Colchester United….....4 …. 0….3….1….3….4….3
  20. ….Aldershot…................4 …. 1….1….2….5….9….3
  21. ….Brentford…...............4 …. 0….2….2….10….13….2
  22. ….Shrewsbury Town…....4 …. 0….2….2….7….11….2
  23. ….Newport County…......4 …. 0….1….3….3….7….1
  24. ….Walsall…....................4 …. 0….1….3….2….8….1

Tuesday 31st August 1954 - Football Combination Cup:
Southend United 3-4 Tottenham
Despite three good goals by Jack McDonald, United Reserves were defeated by Spurs 3-4 in the Combination Cup. It was a good tussle and Blues deserved a point for their rugged determination, twice they went behind and then they took the lead but in the closing stages Spurs put on the pressure and found the loop-holes.

Next Thursday:
Episode 5 Blues come to life against Swindon
 
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Notice former Blues Manager Ernie Shepherd scoring for QPR. Had the privilege of working briefly with Ernie in 1971, top bloke.
 
"Left-winger Ernie Shepherd opened Rangers score in the 30th minute with a shot that went in off an upright."

That's the same Ernie Shepherd who managed Southend from 1967 to 1969, and who supporters from that era will probably remember fondly. I found a Wikipedia page for him with brief details of his football career, but more interesting was this page from a Fulham site (which mentions in passing another Southend manager, Arthur Rowley).

Ernie Shepherd (at age 20) "was desperately unlucky to make his First Team ‘debut’ against Luton Town on 2nd September 1939. The following day, the Second War started and the League programme was suspended for the duration. So, seven years all but two days later, Ernie finally got his chance, and he wore the number 11 shirt in the 7-2 defeat at Bury that kicked off the post-war era. In between times, he guested for a number of clubs in the war years as military duties permitted."
 
Episode 5 Blues come to life against Swindon

No.5 Div 3 (South) Saturday 4th September 1954
Southend United 4-1 Swindon Town.

Southend sprang to live in the second half and few if any supporters at half time would have wagered on Blues scoring three more goals. The first half reached its lowest ebb, there was a great deal of ballooning the ball, aimless kicking unfinished movements and missed chances but after the interval the Blues improved and seemed to be more business-like. Blues took the lead through a penalty, when Baron, put through by Hollis, was brought down after 10 minutes. Burns scoring the penalty goal. Swindon equalised after 34 minutes with a shot which Threadgold could only get his fingertips to. In the second half Blues were a lot more promising forced three corners, Anderson had a goal disallowed before Hollis electrified the crowd with a grand goal in the 69th minute. Three minutes later Baron scored with a great solo goal. Nine minutes before the end Ken Bainbridge completed the scoring when he broke through the defence and his great drive hit the post and rebounded into the net.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Stirling and Burns; Sibley, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

Football Combination Cup Saturday 4th September 1954
Crystal Palace 0-3 Southend United.

United reserves beat Palace reserves 3-0 at Selhurst Park. Blues had the majority of the play and thoroughly enjoyed their victory. Whyte opened the scoring and then McDonald followed up with the second and third.

No.6 Div 3 (South) Tuesday 7th September 1954
Southend United 1-1 Newport County.
United just managed to scrape through to draw 1-1 with Newport in a scrappy game, and Blues can count themselves lucky not to have lost their unbeaten home record. Once again blues had the chances but they were thrown away, in fairness Stirling was injured with a cut below the eye and off the field for 20 minutes and on his return was put out on the forward line. He had been fouled when running through and the referee awarded a penalty for Southend, which many thought a harsh decision. Burns made no mistake with the spot kick, this being in the 65th minute. When the penalty was awarded the Newport players gathered around the referee and three had to be ordered away by the referee and then as Burns was preparing to take the kick another ran up and moved the ball, the referee notebook in hand ordered the player away. Burns not on the least flustered calmly placed the ball in the net. Newport had taken the lead in the 17th minute but in the second half at least two of the Newport players were lucky not to have been given their “marching orders”.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Stirling and Burns; Sibley, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge

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NEW SIGNING?
Southend United have agreed terms with Darlington for the transfer of Dennis Howe who has played well for the Reserves during his loan spell. Harry warren travelled to Carlisle where Darlington were playing to hammer out the deal. It is understood that the fee wanted was pretty steep, but after long negotiations it is understood that the fee was greatly reduced. It is now up to the player to decide if he wishes to make the move.

Next Thursday Episode 6
Southend make gift to Palace
 
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How fortune we were to have signed Kevin Baron. Wonder what persuasion was necessary to get him to move so far south? I remember getting on a bus in Rayleigh and seeing Kevin, partner and child on the top deck. A player on a bus!!!! How the world has changed. Happy days.
 
Episode 6 Southend make gift to Palace

No.7 Div 3 (South) Saturday 11th September 1954
Crystal Palace 2-2 Southend United.

Southend United made a gift of a point to Crystal palace when at the end of the first half they were two goals ahead and playing the type of football to bring plenty more. What a disappointment the second half was instead of confident all-attacking play they were backing away from a very moderate Palace side. United took control from the outset and had several near misses before taking the lead in the 37th minute. Hollis flicked the ball through to Baron who was in a perfect position and made no mistake with the shot which gave the goalkeeper no chance. It was obvious more goals were to come and four minutes later Bainbridge crossed for Baron who again was perfectly placed to drive the ball into the net. From the start of the second half it was clearly a different United side and within four minutes Palace had halved the deficit with the Southend defence in a shocking tangle. Blues still had their chances but tempers became flared and a palace player had his name taken. Four minutes from the end of the match Palace grabbed the equalising goal. Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Burns; Sibley, Baron, Hollis, Bainbridge and McDonald.

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Football Combination Cup - Saturday 11th September 1954:
Southend United 4-0 Arsenal.

When the supporters opened their programmes and scanned the names of the Arsenal players of Wade, Dodgin, Walsh, Holtran, Bloomfield, Marden, “Uncle Tom Cobley and all” few (if any) gave the Blues a ghost of a chance. However it was another case of David beating Goliath as the mighty came unstuck and great was the fall thereof. Southend fully deserved their smashing victory and played their football with a real zest rarely seen in second string football. The game was very even in mid-field but the Southend forwards were in goal hungry mood. In the first fifteen minutes Arsenal missed enough chances to put the game beyond the reach of the Blues but Scannell was in fine form. Smith nodded in a Dicker cross in the 35th minute, and two minutes later Dicker scored the second from an oblique angle. The third goal was a Grant shot deflected into the goal by an Arsenal back, and the final goal almost on time came when Grant headed in a Dicker cross.
Team: Scannell; Young and Duffy; Innell, Sheard and Lawler; Smith, Whyte, Grant, Bridge and Dicker.


Wednesday 15th September 1954 Football Combination Cup:
Tottenham 6-3 Southend United.

Do not be misled by the score, it was a jolly good game and the figures mean very little. In the first 45 minutes the Tottenham machine ran ever so sweetly and goals followed one another rather quickly. At the interval it was 5-1 to the home side but in the second half the Blues made a come back and had as much if not more of the play than the homesters. Jacky Bridge scored and Cyril Grant got the other two. There is a lot of good play in the United reserves and if they continue to play in the same way, results will follow.



No.8 Div 3 (South) Thursday 16th September 1954

Newport 3-2 Southend United.
A goal from the penalty spot four minutes from time robbed United of a point in the return fixture at Newport. Southend certainly did not deserve to lose although there can be no complaints about the penalty with a shot heading to the top corner, Bill Pavitts outstretched fist knocking it wide, the referee had no choice but to award a penalty. Before that however United had been very unfortunate not to have scored more than a couple of goals after changing over two goals in arrears. Blues had a bad lapse mid-way through the first half when they conceded two goals in 30 seconds. After the interval Southend were a much improved side and it was only the goalkeeper that spared Newport’s blushes. Frank Burns scored Blues first in the 73rd minute with a long shot and Bainbridge registered the second nine minutes later. Team:
Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Burns; Smith, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.


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Next Thursday Episode 7:
Don't Leave before the final Whistle

 
Episode 7: Don't Leave before the final Whistle

No.9 Div 3 (South) Saturday 18th September 1954
Southend United 4-1 Northampton Town.

Southend United supporters who left the ground ten minutes before the end must have kicked themselves when they read the result, for when they left Blues were drawing 1-1 and football was at a minimum and it was a painful disappointing affair. Then came the magical last ten minutes with Blues scoring three times. It was in the 81st minute that baron’s twinkling feet started the goal rush, quick as a flash he slipped the ball through to Hollis who drove the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. Four minutes later Hollis started the move, pushed the ball through to Bainbridge who slashed it into the top corner of the net.. Northampton failed to clear the ball and again was Bainbridge popping up to score again and he did again just before the final whistle but this effort was ruled offside. Although the game was won handsomely much of the events are best forgotten for the football displayed by both sides was of a very low standard. In the opening stages it was Northampton that made most of the running but Blues took the lead after eleven minutes when Bill Anderson gave Hollis a perfect pass to allow him to pick his spot to score. Northampton equalised seven minutes later.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Burns; Smith, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

Football Combination Cup: Queens Park Rangers 2-0 Southend United

Motor Coaches for the Excursion to Watford will depart from Pier Hill Coach Station at approximately 11.30 a.m. Return fare 8s (40p) Seats obtainable from Supporters Club Office, 57 London Road.

Monday 20th September 1954 Football Combination Cup:
Chelsea 0-0 Southend United



No.10 Div 3 (South) Tuesday 21st September 1954
Southend United 0-0 Exeter City

Loud was the groaning at the Stadium and rightly so for the display served up was not worth the entrance fee. Exeter must be congratulated on a stout defensive performance but if Blues forwards had shown some determination in front of goal it would have resulted in a handsome victory. Instead supporters were treated to a listless display particularly in the first half, when there was a lot of ballooning of the ball, passes were constantly going astray and the attack indulged in fancy movements which got them nowhere. Exeter had in goal former Blues player Geoff Morton but he received a nasty kick in the face from his own backs and had to leave the field for a short while. There must have been some plain talking in the United dressing room at the interval for things did improve in the second half, but even then United could not press home their advantage. Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Burns; Smith, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

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Letter to the Standard:
If Southend united serve up many more displays like those given against Exeter and the first 80 minutes against Northampton the board will be surveying empty terraces at their grand Roots Hall ground.

Dennis Howe has now come to terms with Darlington concerning his share of benefit and the deal making him a United player has now been completed.

Next Thursday Episode 8:
The Reserves beat the might of Chelsea
 
Episode 8: The Reserves beat the might of Chelsea


No.11 Div 3 (South) Saturday 25th September 1954

Watford 1-1 Southend United.
After one of the hardest fought games this season, United gained a point at Watford. It was a hectic first half with Watford mostly on the attack but the game finished with the Blues well on top, with a goal likely to appear with every attack but the Watford defence somehow managed to keep them at bay. Both goals had narrow escapes throughout the match but without a doubt the goal of the match was the equaliser scored by Ken Bainbridge. A lovely move by Baron to make the opening, a last minute pass and then a powerful drive into the net from Bainbridge before the goalkeeper knew what was happening. Watford had taken the lead after 37 minutes when a shot hit the crossbar and rebounded into play and was coolly put into the selected spot in the goal from five yards. Watford forced two quick corners on the resumption of play in the second half but from then on Blues got a grip on the game and Bainbridge’s goal came after 55 minutes and after this three shots from Baron were cleared by the defence and another shot just saved by the goalkeepers fingertips.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Lawler; Smith, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.



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Saturday 25th September 1954 Football Combination Cup:
Crystal Palace 3-2 Southend United.
United Reserves were beaten 2-3 by Crystal Palace after a most disappointing game, Grant and Sibley scoring for the Blues. The Palace goalkeeper was a trialist from Malta, he had written in for a trial and when granted one paid his own travel expenses.

Tuesday 28th September 1954 Football Combination Cup:
Southend United 2-0 Chelsea.

The Reserves came back into favour after beating the might of Chelsea and what a transformation it was from the team that last at Selhurst Park and how the supporters enjoyed it. It was a cut above the average Combination game in terms of speed, finesse and general purpose. Lest it should be thought that Chelsea were poorly represented the opposite was the case, and it was the fact that the Southend lads played particularly well. Jack Bridge was one of the star performers as was Joe Sibley. Dicker and Joe Sibley had the honour of scoring two good goals and altogether it was a match without regrets.


JACKY BRIDGE MARRIED
Congratulations to Jacky Bridge who was married on Monday. For a one-day-old “honeymooner” his feinting, ball control and pin-point precision passing on Tuesday evening would have gained him credit at Stamford Bridge, or indeed on any league ground in the land.
From the Southend v Bournemouth Programme 2nd October 1954

No.12 Div 3 (South) Wednesday 29th September 1954
Exeter City 2-1 Southend United.

Forget the fact that Southend were beaten at Exeter for the result was a travesty, if ever a side was lucky to win it was Exeter City. Almost from the opening minute Southend impressed as the more skilful combination, the trouble was that the side played too much football and after gaining good chances wasted them by attempting to repeat artistic but futile manoeuvres. Exeter went ahead in the 36th minute after hesitancy by Anderson and Threadgold, .the second half was a story of almost non-stop attacks and it was only the brilliance of their goalkeeper Geoff Morton that stopped the Blues taking over. In the 56th minute the equaliser did come through Bainbridge who met Duthie’s long centre with a first time drive that flashed into the roof of the net. However Exeter scored the winner on a rare breakaway and a penalty was awarded after a goalmouth tangle.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Lawler; Smith, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

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Next Thursday Episode 10

Bournemouth Goalkeeper in "miracle" class to halt Blues
 
Episode 10
Bournemouth Goalkeeper in "miracle" class to halt Blues


No.13 Div 3 (South) Saturday 2nd October 1954
Southend United 2-2 Bournemouth.
Although the Blues were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at least the fans could not grumble about the entertainment supplied. Blues however did not have the support of “Lady Luck” on their side and also found the Bournemouth goalkeeper in excellent form and he made saves which were definitely in the “miracle” class. Southend started off in fine style and took the lead early in the game, but Bournemouth hit back and equalised and then took the lead after 30 minutes but from then onwards Southend were on the offensive. Blues took the lead after six minutes, Sibley working the ball forward to Hollis who pushed the ball down the middle for Baron with an amazing burst of speed raced between the advancing backs and put the ball in the back of the net. After ten minutes Bournemouth were on level terms with a picture goal straight from the manual, and twenty minutes later a second goal was headed from a corner. Despite all Blues pressure it looked like they would lose their home record until eight minutes from time when a penalty was awarded United after a handball in the area. Burns made no mistake from the spot-kick to earn the Blues a point they so richly deserved.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

1570135489227.pngstyle and took the lead early in the game, but Bournemouth hit back and equalised and then took the lead after 30 minutes but from then onwards Southend were on the offensive. Blues took the lead after six minutes, Sibley working the ball forward to Hollis who pushed the ball down the middle for Baron with an amazing burst of speed raced between the advancing backs and put the ball in the back of the net. After ten minutes Bournemouth were on level terms with a picture goal straight from the manual, and​

Football Combination Cup Saturday 6th October 1954:
Arsenal 6-2 Southend United.

Blues Reserves lost at Highbury despite taking the lead in the first minute through a goal by Jackie Bridge. At half time Arsenal lead 1-2 and then outplayed the Blues in the second half, McDonald scoring Southend’s other goal. Blues were now in fifth place in the Combination cup with just three games to go.

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Wednesday 6th October 1954 Football Combination Cup:

Southend United 1-2 Brighton.
Blues Reserves were well beaten by rival Seasiders Brighton in what was rather a disappointing game from the blues point of view. United had most of the play in the first half but Brighton opened the scoring after 17 minutes. In the second half the visitors applied the pressure and increased their lead in the 57th minute with a cracking shot. In the closing minutes Blues staged a rally and reaped the reward of just one own goal put in the net by one of the Brighton defenders.



Many people in the town who did not hold shares in the United previously and responded to the clubs invitation to purchase them, will have received letters by now returning their money. Blues contravened Company law by proposing to sell shares to non-shareholders of the United without the issue of a prospectus, hence the return of the money.

Next Thursday Episode 11:
Blues beat the Only Unbeaten side in the League
 
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