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

Episode 23;
Disastrous Start to the New Year

No.25 Div 3 (South) Saturday 1st January 1955
Southend United 0-1 Aldershot
.

United started the new year in disastrous fashion in losing their unbeaten home record and the side to do it was not a table topping side but unpredictable Aldershot who became the first side this season to take four points off the Blues. Give Blues their due they tried their hardest and the forwards, Hollis in particular hit the woodwork all around the net. Blues had enough chances to win the game handsomely and in the second half every player with exception of Threadgold spent most of their time in the Aldershot half but they just wouldn’t crack. Despite all this pressure Blues were shocked in the 69th minute when Aldershot scored with a converted free kick, and this stung the Blues into all out action but the visitors goalmouth had a charmed life.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge

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SOUTHEND UNITED BAND
The Southend United Supporters Club Band would welcome Brass Instrumentalists willing to rehearse on Thursday Evenings and play at Football matches at the Stadium. Write to the Band Secretary, 87 Whitegate Road, Southend-on-Sea.
From the Southend v Aldershot programme 1st January 1955

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS TO EVERTON
A special Buffet Car Train will depart from and return to the under mentioned stations on Saturday next. January 8th to and from Liverpool (Lime Street) at a return fare of 37s 6d (£1.87½p).Departing Shoeburyness at 6.30 a.m. stopping at all stations to Benfleet, and arriving at Liverpool (Lime Street) at 12.50 p.m. and departing 5.55 p.m. Railway Tickets and Football Stand tickets 7s 6d (37½p) and 5s (25p) are obtainable at supporters Club Office 57 London road, Southend but Football Stand Tickets are not available after 1 p.m. Thursday January 6th.

Subject all seats being taken by Wednesday January 5th, a 36 seater aircraft will leave the Municipal Airport, Rochford on Saturday morning next for the Airport at Liverpool. Transport to and from the Football Ground will be provided. Flying time approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Cost per person £3 10s (£3.50). The Board and the team are travelling on Thursday and staying at the Adelphi Hotel and will train on the Liverpool F.C. ground on Friday. Blues will be playing in red and white. The Supporters Club band will be travelling on the special train with the 500 other supporters.

Next Thursday Episode 24,
The Big day out at Goodison Park
 
Episode 24,
The Big day out at Goodison Park

F.A.Cup Round 3 - Saturday 8th January 1955
Everton 3-1 Southend United.

Southend United’s run in the F.A. Cup is over, but they went out in a blaze of glory as they battled for 78 of the 90 minutes with only ten men. Blues skill was on a par with their hosts and their never say die attitude gained the applause of the largest crowd of the day 53, 043. Supporters travelling by air had a tough time, a fault developed in the planes radion delaying take off and some supporters arrived at the ground literally seconds before kick-off. United supporters wearing their red and white colours paraded Liverpool ringing bells, holding up the traffic and generally letting people know that they came from Southend. Before the start of the game thick fog threatened the game but cleared during most of the game returning just before the end. There was a huge roar went up in the third minute when a Bainbridge corner was headed into the net by Baron who was captain for the day. The roar not only from the Southend supporters but also from Liverpool fans in the crowd cheering their former player Baron. Then came the injury to Bainbridge who pulled a back muscle and could barely move, Blues without the injury would have been two goals ahead for the ball went to Bainbridge with an open goal but he was in too much agony to take the opportunity. Inevitably after 17 minutes Everton equalised, but blues still continued to play good football despite the handicap of the injury. A minute before the interval Everton took the lead with a deflected shot. Although a goal down Southend still fought hard until a goal mid-way through the second half finally settled the “David and Goliath” contest.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Bainbridge.

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Saturday 8th January 1955 - Football Combination:
Southend United 1-3 Aldershot.

The game was somewhat scrappy, with tempers short and fouls frequent. After some drab football Anderson opened the scoring with a good shot but Aldershot equalised shortly afterwards. Just before half time Anderson was injured and he didn’t reappear for the second half and Aldershot took control of the game scoring two more goals, the third direct from a corner.

THE TRIP TO EVERTON
Referring to our recent visit to Liverpool we trust that the arrangements made for the many hundred travellers by rail and the few dozen by air was to everyone’s satisfaction. As was expected, our Band achieved another success and a letter received from the Everton F.C. Secretary stated “In connection with the performance given by the Southend United Supporter’s Club band at our cup-tie last Saturday, my directors wish to show their appreciation of the very excellent standard shown and they have instructed me to forward you a cheque for 20 guineas (£21) as a donation towards the funds of your club.
From the Southend v Crystal Palace programme 22nd January 1955

Next Thursday Episode 25:
Snow Glorious Snow
 
Episode 25: Snow Glorious Snow

No.26 Div 3 (South) Saturday 15th January 1955
Swindon Town v Southend United Postponed.

The match was postponed on Friday night after an inspection by the referee under flood-lights, there was nearly nine inches of frozen snow on the pitch. A local referee had inspected the pitch earlier in the day and said it was unfit but the Football League insisted on the match referee making the decision, he arrived at 9.00 p.m. and called the match off without hesitation.

Some matches were played and the Table was:

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Next Thursday Episode 26;
Poor Weather highlights the Needs for Roots Hall
 
Episode 25: Snow Glorious Snow

No.26 Div 3 (South) Saturday 15th January 1955
Swindon Town v Southend United Postponed.

The match was postponed on Friday night after an inspection by the referee under flood-lights, there was nearly nine inches of frozen snow on the pitch. A local referee had inspected the pitch earlier in the day and said it was unfit but the Football League insisted on the match referee making the decision, he arrived at 9.00 p.m. and called the match off without hesitation.

Some matches were played and the Table was:


Next Thursday Episode 26;
Poor Weather highlights the Needs for Roots Hall
It must have been bad for it to have been called off in those days.
 
Episode 26;
Poor Weather highlights the Needs for Roots Hall


No.26 Div 3 (South) Saturday 22nd January 1955
Southend United 3-2 Crystal Palace.

United gained two more valuable points but the performance was certainly nothing to write home about and not a patch on the performance at Everton. The conditions during the match were awful it poured with rain for the 90 minutes and the 5,000 spectators deserve congratulations for turning out in such weather, the need for maximum under cover accommodation and good bus links to Roots Hall was evident from these conditions. After four minutes Hollis scored in spectacular style, racing in from the half way line and crashing the ball into the net with a wonderful shot. With Bainbridge still injured his place was taken by Jimmy Whyte who had a poor game but did score his first league goal and Southend’s second after a goalmouth melee on 21 minutes. Then the game took a surprising turn when Palace pulled a goal back after 30 minutes, a left hand drive from 25 yards that flashed into the net and then a minute later Lawler handled in the area and Palace scored from the penalty spot. For the remainder of the half it was Palace who were doing the pressing but in the second half the roles were reversed and after 57 minutes Hollis netted from a Dicker cross.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Dicker.

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Football Combination: - Saturday 22nd January 1955
Crystal Palace 0-2 Southend United
.

Bill Anderson the former Hibernian player is now fit and he scored both goals for the Reserves in their 2-0 win.

Supporters Club Band
The band in their smart blue uniforms have gained a great reputation for their high standard and turn-out from visiting away ground in the cup at Bristol City, Bradford and especially at Everton travelling over a 1,000 miles in the process. Now the band is preparing to enter various band competitions

Next Thursday Episode 27
Lucky, Lucky, Lucky Southend
 
Episode 27
Lucky, Lucky, Lucky Southend

No.27 Div 3 (South) Saturday 29th January 1955
Southend United 2-1 Walsall.

Lucky, lucky, lucky Southend united, a goal in the last minute gave Blues both points which they didn’t deserve. On pay day on Friday the players should be “red faced" when they receive their £2 win bonus. In the first half Blues could easily have been four goals up, Hollis, who did nothing but score the goals, missed two “sitters” from the six yard range. Walsall meanwhile nearly scored with their first attack in the 20th minute but shortly afterwards with the Blues defence on the wrong foot Walsall scored with a rising shot. Many fans were on their way home when Blues equalised with 16 minutes to go, when a Lockhart shot rebounded off the crossbar and fell to Hollis to put the ball into the net. Hollis scored the winner from a Lockhart pass in the last minute of the game.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Whyte, Hollis, Baron and Lockhart.

[C1580400858768.png

Saturday 29th January 1952 - Football Combination:
Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Southend United.

United Reserves had a shock at Plymouth for the home side fielded its entire Second Division side as they did not have a game, and in the circumstances Blues did well to hold the Argyle to two goals. Following heavy pressure Plymouth took the lead in the ninth minute and went further ahead two minutes before the interval. Blues were eighth in the combination table while the “A” team were bottom of the Mid-Week League with one win, one draw and six defeats from their eight games.
Team: Scannell; Young and Sheard; Duthie, Stirling and Innell; Oakley Anderson, Grant, Bridge and Barker.

PROGRESS AT ROOTS HALL
Progress continues to be made at Roots Hall, the steel work for the north stand has arrived this week, and the Chairman Ald. H. H. Smith is anxious that work on the construction of the stands should start during the current spring like conditions.

Next Thursday Episode 28
Blues receive a sound lesson at Northampton
 
"when they receive their £2 win bonus"

WOW, as much as that, hopefully they did not have to wait to long to get paid.
 
Episode 28
Blues receive a sound lesson at Northampton


No.28 Div 3 (South) Saturday 5th February 1955
Northampton Town 6-2 Southend United.
Southend have been in the doldrums since the Everton match and against Northampton they were given a sound football lesson by the Cobblers who also demonstrated how to seize goal scoring chances. Blues performance can only be described as poor and the state of the pitch which was saturated in places cannot be used as an excuse as Northampton managed to move successfully on it. Northampton were quickly off the mark but in the early stages the football was of a “kick and rush” nature, but after 32 minutes the home side took the lead, when the ball was drilled through a crowd of players, from a corner. At the start of the second half Blues looked capable of going on to win the game as chance after chance came their way but all were wasted. After 58 minutes the second goal was headed home from a corner and the third scored after 65 minutes. Four minutes later Threadgold failed to hold a centre and the ball then just had to be tapped into the net. Blues were in a sorry plight and a fifth goal was added in the 74th minute, but then nine minutes later Hollis opened the Blues account with a hard drive. Three minutes from time Burns netted from long range, but two minutes later the Cobblers added their sixth to bring to a close this painful match for the Blues. It was Northampton’s best win of the season in front of a crowd of 7,709.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, W. Anderson, Hollis, Baron and Lockhart.

1581003491358.png
Football Combination - Saturday 5th February 1955:
Southend United 1-1 Queens Park Rangers.
A draw was a fair result as neither side possessed a forward capable of scoring and as a result the goalkeepers had very little to do. The busiest man on the pitch was the referee who continually had to blow up for fouls largely committed by the robust visitors who also relied on the off-side trap. The Southend goal was a lucky one, Bridge crossed, the ball was misjudged by the goalkeeper and although a back cleared off the line the referee judged that the ball had crossed the line. The visitors were rarely in the picture but they equalised three minutes from time

Next Thursday Episode 29:
A Black Saturday for both the
First Eleven and the Reserves
 
Episode 29:
A Black Saturday for both the First Eleven
and the Reserves

No.29 Div 3 (South) Saturday 12th February 1955
Southend United 1-3 Watford.

Without a doubt it was a black Saturday for Southend United, when for the third week running the League side gave a most disappointing display and were well beaten by a medium Watford side. Soon after the start of the game snow started falling heavily, the sky was overcast and in view of the late kick off- there was doubt if the light would hold to the finish. Watford were a fast moving side, early on the winger fairly streaked through the Blues defence crossed and the ball was netted but was ruled off-side, but the football was rather poor in quality from both sides and there was little sparkle on show. Watford opened the scoring after 14 minutes. This goal did not instil any life into the United and six minutes later Watford increased there lead after Threadgold had fumbled the ball. After a bitter struggle Blues opened their scoring account early in the second half, Baron hit the bar the ball fell to Hollis who set Whyte up to score. Blues now tried desperately to get ion level terms but their fate was set nine minutes from time when Threadgold intercepted the ball but it spun out of his hands and into the goal.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Whyte.

1581622103762.png

Saturday 12th February 1955 - Football Combination:
Swansea Town 11-2 Southend United.

The extent of Blues Reserves 2-11 defeat at Swansea came as a shock to even the strongest critics of the “stiffs”. One of the reasons may well be that the team did not leave for Swansea until the morning of the match. It is a long while since a United team did the trip in a day and the score would suggest that different travelling arrangements should be used in the future.

WORK AT ROOTS HALL
Work proceeds at Roots Hall and Alderman Smith reports that the contractors will start driving in the piles for the main stand at 11 a.m. on Thursday17th February. There is apparently jubilation in the Roots Hall camp, this little jingle appeared on the back of the programme:

“Hooray! Hooray!
The builders arrive today.
Our fears are past,
they are in at last
and now what will the doubters say”.

POSSIBLE TRANSFER
Enquiries have been made of a First division side but the price asked for the player concerned was far above the head of the United

Next Thursday.Episode 30
A Late Rally sinks Blues
 
Episode 30 A Late Rally sinks Blues

No.30 Div 3 (South) Saturday 19th February 1955
Bournemouth 3-1 Southend United
.
Southend United were in sight of their second
away win of the season when they lead by a Kevin Baron goal scored in the 55th minute with only three minutes to go. A late Rally by Bournemouth saw two goals in successive minutes to see the reds steal the points and completely turn the tables. The conditions were difficult, a strong and bitterly cold wind, a greasy surface to a frost bound pitch. Hollis was totally subdued by the Bournemouth centre half and in the 55thminute Baron, irritated by the frequency in which his moves where checkmated, took it upon himself to go through alone, he succeeded and scored with a low cross-shot from fifteen yards. With every player in the defence pulling their full weight, they cannot be faulted until the final three minutes. The equalising goal was when Threadgold failed to hold the ball which fell at the feet of one of the Watford forwards who made no mistake. The final goal also came about by the defence losing possession. Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Bridge, Hollis, Baron and Barker.

1582216878444.png

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Football Combination -Saturday 19th February 1955
Southend United 1-0 Reading.
Although United Reserves won their match against Reading reserves in the freezing cold, their display did nothing to warm the spectators. The goal was scored by Whyte was a good shot scored on the turn following a pass from the left by McDonald. Outstanding for the Blues was the half back line of Jim Duthie, Jimmy Stirling and John Duffy.

REPRESENTIVE MATCH
To the surprise of many football supporters of the Third Division neither Roy Hollis or Kevin Baron have been selected for the representative third Division South v North match.

ROOTS HALL
Work progresses at Roots Hall but owing to the bad weather the work might ell develop into a race against time, calling for round the clock working to be ready for the big kick-off on August 20th. However part of the steel framework of the North stand has been erected.

ESSEX PROFESSIONAL CUP
The Essex Professional Cup semi final game between United and Leyton Orient was cancelled on Wednesday 23rd February due to the bad state of the pitch. Similar action was taken with the away game against the Arsenal “A” side.

Sir – On the subject of roots Hall may I suggest a couple more inches should be added to the terrace and stand steps. If one belongs to the “Shorthouse” family, it is next to impossible to see at the present stadium. Hampton Gardens, Prittlewell.

Next Thursday Episode 31:
Third Time lucky for Bristol City
 
Last edited:
Epiode 31:
Third Time lucky for Bristol City


No.31 Div 3 (South) Saturday 26th February 1955
Bristol City 3-2 Southend United.

It was certainly third time lucky for Bristol City when they finally beat Blues after two successive defeats but in all fairness they must count themselves extremely lucky. Twice Blues were ahead but then again fate made its mark with an injury to goalkeeper Tommy Scannell which left him with his left arm practically useless. Blues started the match as they finished it aggressively, the game was very even both sides having their spells of attacking but it was Blues that scored first. Bridge broke through and intercepted a back pass and scored a simple goal, to the silence of the home crowd. A few minutes later City scored but it was yards offside and rightly disallowed, and shortly afterwards came the injury to Scannell. After 29 minutes the scores were level after Lawler made his one mistake of the game. City fans looked contented but Blues launched a series of attacks which lead to them taking the lead again three minutes before the interval when Hollis netted with a high drive after dazzling play between Duthie and Sibley. United were still on top as the second half got underway but Bristol equalised in the 63rd minute with a goal that looked suspiciously offside. Still the Blues fought hard but in the 69th minute Scannell received a full on shoulder charge on his injured arm and he dropped the ball and it was netted. The City player was of course within his rights but it was an unfortunate way to win the game. Team: Scannell; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Duthie, Hollis, Baron and Bridge.

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Football Combination - Saurday 26th February 1955
Swindon Town 1-4 Southend United.
The Reserves probably surprised themselves as much as they did their Swindon opponents by “smothering” the home team on the County ground 4-1. Playing surprisingly good football at a standard well above that of Swindon they ran off easy winners. Two of the four goals were distinguished efforts those of Anderson and Grant and particularly the latter. Bill Cartwright in charge of the side for the day, says he has rarely seen a ball pass into goal with greater velocity than Cyril’s shot which sailed just under the cross-bar from a range of 20 yards. White and Barker were the other scorers in a forward line backed up by splendid service from an untiring defence which was too good for the Swindonians.


Wednesday 2nd March 1955 London Mid-Week League:
Southend United “A” 0-5 Q.P.R. “A”.



MALTA TOUR
Agreement has been reached between Southend United and several football clubs in Malta for Blues to visit the George Cross Island in May to play several matches.

TRANSFER REQUEST

Leslie Dicker signed from Spurs has been asked to be placed on the transfer list and the management have agreed to his request. It is understood that

BARON SELECTED
Kevin Baron is likely to be selected for the F. A. team travelling to Holland on March 23rd.

Next Thursday Episode 32:
Supporters fed up after four successive defeats.
 
Episode 32:
Supporters fed up after four successive defeats

No.32 Div 3 (South) Saturday 5th March 1955
Southend United 1-2 Torquay United.

Southend gave their worst performance of the season and their display was matched by the crowd the smallest of theseason. Torquay deserved their victory, they played the better more direct football and made the most of the chances that came their way, while United had the chances but could not make any use of them. United were quickly off the mark but over elaboration in front of goal cost them dearly and added to that the visitors goal seemed to have a charmed life. Torquay took the lead after 15 minutes with a copy book goal with the ball swung over from one wing while a player from the other wing racing in to head home. It was the second half before the Blues were on level terms, when Hollis headed home a Sibley corner after 54 minutes. However after 65 minutes Torquay took the lead with an opportunist goal. As the game came to a close gloom fell over the supporters at all the chances the team had missed.
Team: Scannell; Pavitt and Young; Burns, Howe and Lawler; Sibley, Duthie, Hollis, Baron and Bridge.

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Football Combination: - Saturday 5th March 1955
Southampton 3-0 Southend United.

Southend United put up a better display than the final score suggests, and but for some fine home goalkeeping the Blues could have been only the second side to share the points in 18 reserve fixtures at the Dell. Two goals were conceded in the last five minutes of the first half and the third three minutes from the end.
Team: Threadgold; Sheard and McDonald; Duffy, Stirling and Innell; Barker, Whyte, Grant, Anderson and Dicker.

Supporters Club Notes
The absence of the band today is regretted, supporters will be interested to know they are competing in the Home Counties Amateur Band contest this afternoon at the Hammersmith Palais. This is a preliminary to the Band’s appearance at Albert Hall in the “Daily Herald” National Brass Band contest in June and we know you will join us in wishing them the very best of luck. It is hoped that the Bugle Band of the Sea Cadets will entertain you this afternoon.
From the Southend v Torquay programme

EXCURSION TO BRIGHTON
12th March Motor Coaches will depart Pier Hill depot at 10 a.m. Return fare 10s 9d (54p). Bookings taken at Supporter’s Club Office, 57 London Road, Southend.
From the Southend v Torquay programme

ROOTS HALL CRISIS
Southend United are facing a crisis on two fronts, they have the battle to complete Roots Hall competing against the elements and the shortage of cash, while the attendance of 4,000 summed up the feelings of the supporters who are fed up after four successive defeats. There is no point in building a fine Stadium with the crowd as close as is possible to the pitch, if the performances are poor. If things don’t improve the terraces will be empty week after week.

ESSEX PROFESSIONAL CUP
The Essex Professional Cup match Southend United v Leyton Orient kick off 3.15 p.m. planned for Wednesday 5th march was postponed due to the state of pitch.

Next Thursday Episode 33
Improvement but yet Another Defeat
 
Episode 33
Improvement but yet Another Defeat

No.33 Div 3 (South) Saturday 12th March 1955

Brighton 2-1 Southend United.
Southend lost their sixth match in a row at Brighton although the display was an improvement on the “worst ever” performance the previous week. Blues had sufficient chances to make certain of this game well before half time, indeed they should have been a goal up in the opening seconds but what was once termed their “cast-iron defence” is no more and now it wavers in the breeze. Blues started in lively fashion, Hollis shot straight into the goalkeeper’s arms, and were soon swarming round the Brighton goal and the home supporters were feeling decidedly uneasy. However it was Brighton that opened the scoring after 20 minutes, Pavitt slipping up and the inside forward crashing the ball into the back of the net. In the second half again Blues had their fair share of attacking but had to wait a long time for the equaliser. It was in the 67th minute Sibley and Baron started the move the ball went to Hollis who drew the defence before slipping the ball to Whyte who netted with a shot into the right hand corner. It was Blues on the offensive yet it was Brighton that scored the winning goal in the 77th minute headed in from a free-kick.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Duffy; Sibley, Baron, Hollis, Whyte and Bridge.

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Appearances as at 12th March 1955 Hollis and Pavitt 36 each; S. Anderson 35; Baron 34; Burns and Threadgold 33 each; Sibley 31; Howe 30; Bainbridge 28; Lawler 25; Duthie 15; Bridge 14; Whyte 13; W. Anderson 12; Stirling 6; Smith 5; Scannell 3; Lockhart 2; Barker, Dicker, Duffy, McDonald and Young 1 each (33 League and 3 Cup, 36 in all).

Goal scorers as at 12th March 1955 : Hollis 25; Baron 15; Bainbridge 10, Burns 8Wyte and Sibley 3 each; Bridge 2; W. Anderson 1, 61 League and 6 Cup, 67 in all).

Wednesday 16th March 1955 Football Combination:
Fulham 6-1 Southend United.

The Reserves caught it hot and strong at Craven Cottage when they fell to a lively and persistent Fulham side by six goals to one. There was no indication of the high score a s at the interval the scores were level, but in the second half they were outplayed and outclassed and but for Scannell the tally could have been even higher. Few of the side will hark back to this fixture with any pride, while for Fulham the experience was a bit of a novelty as they have been having a lean time of it recently.

CRISIS TIME
It is crisis time next Saturday and it is a match which the Blues must win after six successive defeats. United have been slipping down the table since their exit from the cup.

MALTA TRIP CONFIRMED
The Blues end of season trip to Malta has been confirmed, the Maltese clubs want Blues to leave Southend Airport on May 12th and play matches against local and representative sides on May 14, 15th, 17th and 19th returning to Southend on the 20th. It expected United will take about 15 players.

Next Thursday Episode 34
A Goal-Less Draw but at least it's a Point
 
Episode 34
A Goal-Less Draw but at least it's a Point

No.34 Div 3 (South) Saturday 19th March 1955
Southend United 0-0 Reading
.

Will Southend United’s luck ever change? Struggling desperately for points without a win for seven matches, Blues met with further misfortune when right-back Bill Pavitt was injured during the match and taken to hospital with a suspected fracture of the ankle. Blues obtained a point in a rather dull game which ended in a goal less draw. The gate was also poor and it would have been worse but Reading brought a good number of supporters with them who enjoyed a day by the sea as well as the game of football. Reading were a poor side and while they undoubtedly didn’t have the “rub of the green” rank bad finishing and over anxiousness accounted for many chances being missed. Blues dominated the game with Threadgold barely getting a touch the closest they came to scoring was when Duffy hit the post from thirty yards. Pavitt’s injury came just before half time and the Blues had to reshuffle their forward line for the second half.
Team: Threadgold; Pavitt and A. Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Duffy; Sibley, Baron, Hollis, Whyte and McDonald.

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BENEFIT MATCH WITH PORTSMOUTH
A date has been fixed for the Jim Lawler benefit game, it is Tuesday evening April 15th with the visitors being Portsmouth. The game is being sponsored by the Supporters Club and admission prices will be 2s 6d (12½p) to the West Stand and 1s (5p) to the East Stand and ground.

A BLOW TO THE ROOTS HALL PROJECT

A serious blow to the finances of Southend United and the Roots Hall project came when the chief constable told the chairman of the supporter’s club that their weekly football competition must end at the close of the English football season. It was on the revenue derived from this competition that the United based their hopes and plans for additional revenue for the upkeep and development of Roots Hall. The Supporters’ Club secretary Mr. Jimmy Hummerston said “We are taking counsel’s advice but we have no alternative but to stop the competition, it is a lottery and these are being stopped everywhere

TRAIN EXCURSION TO MILLWALL
An excursion for the match on Easter Saturday April 9th.is being run by British Railways who are running a special through train to New Cross departing from Shoebury at 12.30 p.m. 5s 6d (27½p) Thorpe Bay 12.36 p.m. Southend East 5s 3d (26p) Southend Central 12.44 p.m. Westcliff 12.50 p.m. 5s (25p) Chalkwell 12.54 p.m. Leigh 12.59 p.m. 4s 9d (24p) Benfleet 1.7 p.m. 4s 3d (21p) arriving in New Cross at 2.34 p.m. Depart New Cross 5.31 p.m. arrive Southend Central 7.9 p.m.
From the Southend v Reading programme

Next Thursday Episode 35

Match at Coventry Abandoned

Also don't forget Next Monday - A new Historical serial


Episode 1 - 1921-22 the Worst Season ever till NOW
 
BENEFIT MATCH WITH PORTSMOUTH
A date has been fixed for the Jim Lawler benefit game, it is Tuesday evening April 15th with the visitors being Portsmouth. The game is being sponsored by the Supporters Club and admission prices will be 2s 6d (12½p) to the West Stand and 1s (5p) to the East Stand and ground.
Interesting that the entry to the West Stand was more than twice that of the East Stand and ground.
 
Interesting that the entry to the West Stand was more than twice that of the East Stand and ground.

Don't forget this was the Stadium not Roots Hall. As I understand it, the West Stand (Grainger Road was) seats the East Stand (Sutton Road) was just covered. Can anyone confirm that?
 
Don't forget this was the Stadium not Roots Hall. As I understand it, the West Stand (Grainger Road was) seats the East Stand (Sutton Road) was just covered. Can anyone confirm that?
Ah, you have a point, Southend United were still playing at Grainger Road Greyhound Stadium in March 1955 which was our last season there.

The West Stand at the bottom of this pic and was the Main Stand (with seats) entrance from Grainger Road, and the stand at the top of the pic is the East Stand (without seats).

Granger Road 1934-1955.jpg
Southend United at Greyhound Stadium Grainger Road looking East from 1934-1955
 
Episode 35
Match at Coventry Abandoned

Div 3 (South) Saturday 26th March 1955
Coventry City 3-1 Southend United Abandoned

In the absence of the daily press many supporters may have wondered why the match at Coventry was abandoned last Saturday. The Midlands had had two or three days of almost incessant rain and Coventry became “Slough”. The football ground was such that it is a wonder that the game was ever started, the referee was dubious and at first ordered to keep the doors shut but then changed his mind, the players were ankle deep in mud. So heavy was the rain that despite the clubs innovation of relaying the Grand National the gate was still only 4,100 one of the smallest in Coventry’s history. Coventry scored in the fifth minute Hollis equalised from a Baron cross in the 30th minute but the Blues were only level for seconds and a third goal was added in the 38th minute when a back pass stuck in the mud. The referee miscounted the time and led the players off for half-time ten minutes early but brought them back a minute later to continue the farce. The match was finally drawn to a close in the 68th minute.
Team: Threadgold; Young and Anderson; Duthie, Howe and Duffy; Sibley, Baron, Hollis, Whyte and McDonald.

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Football Combination - Saturday 26th March 1955
Southend United 2-2 Leyton Orient.
With a little more luck the Reserves would have beaten Leyton Orient by a convincing margin but had to settle for just one point.. Blues had most of the play in the first half but it was Orient that opened the scoring. In the second half Burns put the teams level when he converted a penalty in the 57th minute and five minutes later Barker put United ahead from close range. Orient gained a point from a brilliant goal scored from 25 yards.



Wednesday 30th March 1955 - Football Combination:
Bristol Rovers 6-0 Southend United.

United Reserves were thrashed 0-6 by Bristol Rovers, they were five goals down at half time to a strong Rovers team. The home side threw chance after chance away until they scored the sixth just before the final whistle.

Wednesday 30th March 1955 - London Mid-Week League
Southend United “A” 4-4 Watford “A”.
At half time the “A” team were three goals down and shortly after the interval the home side who included their manager a former international added the fourth. Then United set down to work culminating in four goals in a ten minute spell, the goals coming from Askew, Donoven, Goddard and Bill Anderson.


SUPPORTERS CLUB
Southend United Supporters’ Club have made rapid progress with the organisation of their legal football pool in support of the United and of course Roots Hall. “We are aiming at a target of 30,000 people weekly, this may seem a large figure but our scope is limitless” explained Mr. Hummerston.

ROOTS HALL
At Roots Hall the contractors have completed the driving in of the piles, in addition they have installed piling for two extra bays to be utilised in the future. In two weeks time Boulton and Paul will move in for the erection of the steel work for the main stand to provide accommodation for 2,022 excluding the director’s box. The roof for the North stand has arrived and the water main has been installed in the main stand.

Next Thursday Episode 36
Southend the unluckiest side in the Division?
 
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