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Memory Lane Final Episode; Review of Southend's Season and the National Scene 1946-47

Episode 11; Unbeaten in seven can Blues continue their run?

.Bournemouth 3-1 Southend United.
No.11 Div 3 (South) Saturday 19th October 1946

It was a poor display at Bournemouth which left the Blues fortunate to only loose 1-3. It was all quite perplexing when after one of their best performances for years the previous week they then turned out the extreme opposite. There were no excuses, the players had a comfortable journey on Friday, stayed in the best hotel in Bournemouth and they had transport to the ground before the match. The only point that needs to be stressed is the weather, after enjoying a long dry spell, early on Saturday rain began to fall heavily and although it ceased just before the match the surface of the ground became like a skating rink. It was the same for both teams but Southend seemed unable to adapt, whereas Bournemouth after the first couple of minutes settled down and played quite good football in front of the crowd of 8,900. The home side opened the scoring after ten minutes and held that lead at half time. However after twenty six minutes of the second half the Blues pulled level with Smirk doing his old trick of lifting the ball over the goalkeepers head. The sides were level for only seconds as Bournemouth scored again straight from the kick off and it was little surprise when a third was added five minutes from end. John Gardiner and Harry Walton made there only first team appearance for Southend.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; H. Walton, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson. Gardiner and Lane.

Division Three (South) Table as at 12th October 1946
  1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..12 …. 8….1….3….31….11….17
  2. ….Bristol City………………………11 …. 7….3….1….26….11….17
  3. ….Queens Park Rangers……..11 …. 6….4….1….17….6….16
  4. ….Exeter City……………………11 …. 7….1….3….20….16….15
  5. ….Swindon Town…..….…………11 …. 6….2….3….25….17….14
  6. .Southend United………..11 …. 5….4….2….17….15….14
  7. ….Ipswich Town..…...………./..10 …. 4….4….2….18….12….12
  8. ….Mansfield Town……………….12 …. 4….4….4….17….21….12
  9. ….Crystal Palace…………………..12 …. 5….2….5….14….23….12
  10. ….Reading…………………………11 …. 4….3….4….32….20….11
  11. ….Walsall….………………………..11 …. 4….3….4….14….14….11
  12. ….Bournemouth & Boscombe…12 …. 5….1….6….14….16….11
  13. ….Watford………..…………………12 …. 5….1….6….17….22….11
  14. ….Northampton Town….….…..11 …. 4….2….5….17….16….10
  15. ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….11 …. 4….2….5….13….20….10
  16. ….Torquay United……………….10 …. 2….5….3….12….14….9
  17. ….Notts. County….………………11 …. 4….1….6….17….20….9
  18. ….Port Vale…....……..……………11 …. 3….3….5….14….19….9
  19. ….Bristol Rovers….…………….11 …. 3….1….7….15….19….7
  20. ….Aldershot………………………..11 …. 3….1….6….14….26….7
  21. ….Clapton Orient…...….………..11 …. 2….3….6….10….20….7
  22. ….Norwich City……………………12 …. 2….1….9….18….33….
Southend United goalscorers after eleven matches
Frank Dudley 7, Alf Smirk 4, Harry Lane 3 and Cyril Thompson 3

Southend United 2-2 Millwall
Football Combination Saturday 19th October 1946:

In a four goal match which only occasionally promoted any enthusiasm in a crowd of nearly 4,000 Southend drew with Millwall 2-2. At half time Southend had a two goal lead, one scored by Peters bringing the ball in from the wing and sending a hard shot past the keeper, this after twenty five minutes and the other a low fast shot by Tippett ten minutes later. In the second half Millwall scored both their goals from headers from the same player the first after fifteen minutes and the equalising goal five minutes from time.
Team: Davies; Humphries and Bell; A. Walton, Woodward and Bennett; Peters Hamilton, Jones, Gibson and Tippett.

EKCO 2-3 Woodford Town after extra time
Saturday 19th October 1946:

After an uninspiring first half during which time neither side managed to score,Woodford broke the deadlock shortly after the restart and a second was added later. Ekco pulled one back but a player was knocked unconscientious in a defens ensive struggle but they struggled on with ten men and scored the best goal of the match shortly before the end of normal time.The extra time was played in a dim half-light and it was Woodford who scored the only further goal aftrt 20 minutes.

Birmingham City 2-0 Southend United.
Wednesday 23rd October 1946 Football Combination:
Southend lost to a Birmingham side which just had too much experience at St. Andrews. In a drab first half they managed to restrict their hosts to just one goal but did this at the expense of their forwards who rarely featured. In the second half the United were under considerable pressure but dame fortune seemed to be in their favour with their woodwork being struck no fewer than four times, but a second goal was added nevertheless. The nearest Southend came was when Bennett headed against the bar.


Mr. Wilfred Copping and Mr. David Robinson addressed a meeting of Southend referees. The chairman a Football League Referee said a rule had been changed to penalize a defender who charged a man when neither were within striking distance of the ball but unfortunately the rules did not state what should be the punishment. League referees had decided that they would award a free-kick from which a goal could not be scored direct.

More on the Postal service
Further to recent comments on the slowness of the postal service, it was recorded that a letter posted in London at 12.15pm Saturday afternoon was not delivered in Southend until Monday afternoon. This precluded the recipient from keeping an important business meeting.
(I don’t think many of us would be complaining about this service now!!)

Cardiff City leaders of the Southern Section are the visitors at the Stadium this Saturday when a large attendance is expected. The kick off has been brought forward to 3.15 p.m. and in order to avoid queuing as far as possible, it has been decided that at the majority of turnstiles no change will be given and spectators are asked to have the correct money ready. There will however be a limited number of turnstiles on each side of the ground where change will be given. An appeal is also made to supporters to assist the stewards in accommodating the crowds and season ticket holders are requested to take their seats early to avoid inconvenience. As Cardiff’s colours are the same as Southend’s the City will change.

Next Thursday Episode 12; The League Leaders visit the Stadium
 
Episode 12; The League Leaders visit the Stadium.

Southend were up against it from the start, Jackson could not play due to an injury so a telegram was sent to Sheards commanding officer for permission for him to appear. It was granted so Woodward who was standing by was allowed to travel to Northampton with the reserves. Then news came that Sheard’s unit had been posted and he was not available. Monty was therefore moved to the “pivotal” position and Bennett bought in at left half

Southend United 0-2 Cardiff City

No.12 Div 3 (South) Saturday 26th October 1946.
Southend United lost two valuable points and their unbeaten home record in the top of the table clash at the Stadium. The Welshmen were only seen at their best in the second half when they were a goal up which had been scored in the first half which was quite against the run of play. A second goal was added about which there was some doubt and after this City were the only side in the match. The ball was in the net a third time after this but disallowed when it seemed more worthy than the second goal which had been allowed. The first goal came after sixteen minutes after a defensive mix up, the second came ten minutes from the end of the match when Hankey catching the ball with both feet off the ground was charged into the net with the ball. Cardiff were hardly a clever football side but they had an enviable thrust and determination, the style that pays dividends in the third division, and with their robust style few sides will concede more free kicks than they. The attendance was the highest of the season 12, 645 paying and with season ticket holders over 13,000 were present who went home satisfied with the display and had full value for their money. Among the crowd was Alex James the famous Scottish International who spent much of his war service at Shoeburyness.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Montgomery and Bennett; Sibley, Smirk, Dudley, Thompson and Lane.

Division Three (South) Table as at 26th October 1946

1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..13 …. 9….1….3….33….11….19
2…. .Bristol City………………………12 …. 8….3….1….2….13….19
3…..Queens Park Rangers……..12 …. 6….5….1….18….7….17
4…..Swindon Town…..….…………12 …. 6….3….3….26….18….15
5.….Exeter City……………………12 …. 7….1….4….20….20….15
6….Southend United……..12 …. 5….4….3….17….17….14
7…..Reading…………………………12 …. 5….3….4….36….20….13
8…..Watford………..…………………13 …. 6….1….6….21….23….13
9…,.Bournemouth & Boscombe…13 …. 6….1….6….16….16….13
10….Mansfield Town……………….13 …. 4….5….4….18….22….13
11….Ipswich Town..…...…………..11 …. 4….4….3….19….14….12
12….Northampton Town….….…..12 …. 5….2….5….19….17….12
13….Crystal Palace…………………..13 …. 5….2….6….15….25….12
14….Walsall….………………………..12 …. 4….4….4….15….15….12
15….Notts. County….………………12 …. 5….1….6….20….21….11
16….Port Vale…....……..……………12 …. 4….3….5….16….20….11
17….Brighton & Hove Albion..….12 …. 4….3….5….14….21….11
18….Torquay United……………….11 …. 2….5….4….14….17….9
19….Bristol Rovers….…………….12 …. 3….1….8….15….21….7
20….Aldershot………………………..12 …. 3….1….8….16….32….7
21….Clapton Orient…...….………..12 …. 2….3….7….11….23….7
22….Norwich City……………………13 …. 2….2….9….19….34….6

Southend United goalscorers after twelve matches

Frank Dudley 7, Alf Smirk 4, Harry Lane 3 and Cyril Thompson 3

1540455903790.png

Programme form the Cardiff match.

Northampton 6-3 Southend United.
Saturday 26th October 1946
Football Combination:
After twice drawing level at Northampton Southend were beaten 3-6 (and not 2-6 as reported in the majority of newspapers). The home side opened their account but Hamilton equalised, but another goal gave the Cobblers a half time lead. Hamilton once again put the United level, but two quick goals restored the home side’s advantage. Gardiner suffered concussion and took no further part in the game but Hamilton completed his hat trick and Northampton added two more goals.


OFFER REFUSED
Southend United have refused a record offer of £4,500 from a Second Division Club for one of their players. At the match against Cardiff on Saturday there were representatives from several clubs present and the manager making the offer included in the fee the free transfer of a player who is appearing regularly in the Second Division in the same position as the man they sought to acquire. There was a definite refusal however, the policy is to strengthen the team. Offers have also been received for other players but these too have been turned down.

OTHER NEWS

Property Market

A small Country house in Thundersley having garden and grounds of about one and a quarter acres opened at auction for £2,000 and eventually sold for £2,600. The Manor House, Church Road Thundersley reputedly dating back to the 16th century with over two acres of land sold for £1,100. A detached bungalow at Oak Road, Hadleigh let at £48 per annum was sold for £600.00.

Local Football

As well as the Borough Combination there was also the Southend and District League the league tables at the 26th October were:


Division One

  1. Shoebury Town…………….8….…
  2. .Assanduns…………………….6….….
  3. Hockley and Hawkwell….6….….
  4. Great Wakering B L……….5….….
  5. Battlesbridge……………….4….….
  6. Hadleigh Athletic……..….4….….
  7. Thundersley & H………….2….….
  8. Rayleigh Town…………….2….….
  9. Gaslight (Rayleigh)….….2….….
  10. Canvey……………………….1….….
  11. Bowers United………..….0….….
  12. Bowers Athletic………….0….

Division Two

  1. Benfleet U D……………..….10….….
  2. Hockley & H. Res……….….10….….
  3. Pitsea United Res……..….6….….
  4. Hockley Rovers…………….6….….
  5. Stambridge R……………….6….….
  6. Runwell Hospital………….4….….
  7. Foulness United……….….2….….
  8. Rayleigh Town Res……….2….….
  9. Wickford Town Res….,….2….….
  10. Battlesbridge Res……..….2….….
  11. Hadleigh A Res…………….2….….
  12. Bowers Unites Res…..….0….
Next Thursday Episode 13; Can Blues bounce back at Norwich?
 
Episode 13; Can Blues bounce back at Norwich?

Norwich City 1-5 Southend United
No.13 Div 3 (South) Saturday 2nd November 1946.

Twenty Thousand people at Norwich saw Southend United beat the City by 5-1 the best away victory of the day and a success well deserved by the Blues. They took the lead two minutes after the interval and increased it fifteen minutes later and then added their last three goals in six minutes to the sporting admiration of the crowd. The score in no way flattered the United, but then City didn’t play so badly either. The United spent Friday at the races at Newmarket and they started the match like racehorses and could easily have been well in front at half time. The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half when Smirk broke away and centred for Thompson who made no mistake in beating the goalkeeper, Bennett scored the second after breaking through from the half way line. Eleven minutes from the end Norwich headed a goal and for a moment it looked like it could be anyone’s game, however the ball was in the Norwich net from Lane straight from the kick off without a City player touching the ball. The victory was secured by two more goals scored by Thompson to complete a fine victory in front of 19,638 spectators in addition to over 500 Season ticket Holders. A large part of City’s new ground is covered and the playing surface more like a cricket pitch.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane

Division Three (South) Table as at 2ndh November 1946
  1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..14 …. 10….1….3….37….11….21
  2. ….Bristol City………………………13 …. 9….3….1….32….13….21
  3. ….Queens Park Rangers……..13 …. 7….5….1….20….8….19
  4. .Southend United………..13 …. 6….4….3….22….18….16
  5. ….Exeter City……………………13 …. 7….2….4….22….22….16
  6. ….Swindon Town…..….…………13 …. 6….3….4….28….22….15
  7. ….Bournemouth & Boscombe…14 …. 7….1….6….19….17….15
  8. ….Northampton Town….….…..13 …. 6….2….5….23….18….14
  9. ….Watford………..…………………14 …. 6….2….6….22….24….14
  10. ….Reading…………………………13 …. 5….3….5….37….25….13
  11. ….Port Vale…....……..……………13 …. 5….3….5….21….21….13
  12. ….Walsall….………………………..13 …. 4….5….4….17….17….13
  13. ….Mansfield Town……………….14 …. 4….5….5….19….25….13
  14. ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..12 …. 4….4….4….20….18….12
  15. ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….13 …. 4….4….5….15….22….12
  16. ….Crystal Palace…………………..14 …. 5….2….7….15….28….12
  17. ….Torquay United……………….12 …. 3….5….4….18….19….11
  18. ….Notts. County….………………13 …. 5….1….7….21….23….11
  19. ….Aldershot………………………..13 …. 4….1….8….20….33….9
  20. ….Bristol Rovers….…………….13 …. 3….1….9….15….25….7
  21. ….Clapton Orient…...….………..13 …. 2….3….8….12….27….7
  22. ….Norwich City……………………14 …. 2….2….10….20….39….6
Southend United goalscorers after 13 matches
Frank Dudley 7, Cyril Thompson 6, Alf Smirk 4, Harry Lane 4 and Ken Bennett 1

Southend United 2-1 Luton Town.
Saturday 2nd November 1946.
Football Combination:
Southend United Reserves retained both points against Luton Reserves at the Stadium when two of the three goals scored were penalties. The going was heavy but Sheard made good use of a penalty awarded for Southend for hands, to put the Blues in the lead. Four minutes later the score was doubled when Hamilton just outside the right post dived full length, when the ball was closer to the ground, to head the ball into the opposite end of the net. Five minutes later and a minute before the interval Luton were awarded a penalty which was converted.
Team; Davis; Humphries and Willmot; H. Walton, Sheard and Woodward; Tippett, Hamilton, Gardiner, Pickard and Peters.

Dartford 3-3 EKCO
Saturday 2nd November 1946. London League:

EKCO should have gained both points but were unable to secure the victory. They were two goals up after 20 minutes, both goals came from the right wing with Horsley netting the first and West the second. Dartford took advantage of a defensive slip before West with a brilliant piece of play made it 3-1. An own goal gave Dartford another goal before half time and in a less brilliant second half Dartford gained the equaliser.

FOG
Early morning travellers on both the L.N.E and L.M.S. were delayed by up to three quarters of an hour on Tuesday, by fog which disorganised train timings. The service improved towards mid-day as the fog dispersed, but more fog after dusk caused further delays in the evening.

THEATRE
The Palace Theatre had a “Stupendous Attraction” the musical from the Theatre Royal Drury Lane “WILD VIOLETS” performed by the Leigh Operatic & Drama Society.

UNSUCCESSFUL BID
Southend United made an unsuccessful attempt at the weekend to secure the transfer of Harry Jackson the inside forward who played as a guest last season and is now with Manchester City. Mr. Harry Warren went to Manchester to see the City Reserves play Preston Reserves and also had his eye on a fullback. The defender showed no better form the present United full backs but Manchester asked £3,000 for Jackson. Mr Warren offered an amount which constituted a record for Southend but the City would not accept anything less than their figure.

The United Directors are still looking for players to strengthen the team

Next Thursday Episode 14;
Can Blues close the gap on Third Place?
 
Last edited:
Episode 14 Can Blues close the gap on Third Place?


Southend United 3-0 Notts. County.
No. 14 Div 3 (South) Saturday 9th November 1946

Bob Jackson the United captain was married in the morning to Miss Doris Taylor of Moseley Street, Southend and he had kept his plans so quiet that Arthur Harris who was best man was one of the few people that knew. The news soon leaked and he was warmly congratulated by his colleagues and he received a terrific ovation from the 10,600 spectators when it was announced. This news must have acted as a stimulus as the Blues opened the scoring in the first five minutes, Smirk putting the ball forward to Thompson who beat the goalkeeper with a well directed shot. Notts County missed a good opportunity to draw level shortly afterwards but from then on there was only one side in it and Lane lobbed the second goal a few minutes before the break. The third goal came within five minutes of the restart when a dropping shot by Lane was turned into the net by Smirk, but the goalkeeper had misjudged the original shot and that would have probably gone into the net unaided. A fourth goal was scored later in the half when a Lane cross was headed perfectly home by Thompson. But the goal was disallowed by the referee which perplexed spectators and players alike, the only assumption that could be put forward was that Lane had been given as offside. This was one many decisions which were hard to understand and the crowd were mystified and annoyed but the players didn’t let it get to them. Southend had played well but in all honesty County had proved to be a very moderate side.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane

Division Three (South) Table as at 9th November 1946
  1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..15 …. 11….1….3….40….12….23
  2. ….Bristol City………………………14 …. 10….3….1….37….15….23
  3. ….Queens Park Rangers……..14 …. 8….5….1….21….8….21
  4. .Southend United………..14 …. 7….4….3….25….18….18
  5. ….Exeter City……………………14 …. 7….2….5….23….25….16
  6. ….Bournemouth & Boscombe…15 …. 7….2….6….21….19….16
  7. ….Watford………..…………………15 …. 7….2….6….25….25….16
  8. ….Swindon Town…..….…………14 …. 6….3….5….29….26….15
  9. ….Walsall….………………………..14 …. 5….5….4….21….18….15
  10. ….Northampton Town….….…..14 …. 6….2….6….23….19….14
  11. ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….14 …. 5….4….5….17….23….14
  12. ….Crystal Palace…………………..15 …. 6….2….7….29….29….14
  13. ….Reading…………………………14 …. 5….3….6….39….30….13
  14. ….Port Vale…....……..……………14 …. 5….3….6….22….25….13
  15. ….Mansfield Town……………….15 …. 4….5….6….20….28….13
  16. ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..13 …. 4….4….5….21….20….12
  17. ….Torquay United……………….13 …. 3….6….4….20….21….12
  18. ….Notts. County….………………14 …. 5….1….8….21….26….11
  19. ….Aldershot………………………..14 …. 5….1….8….23….34….11
  20. ….Norwich City……………………15 …. 3….2….10….22….40….8
  21. ….Bristol Rovers….…………….14 …. 3….1….10….22….40….7
  22. ….Clapton Orient…...….………..14 …. 2….3….9….13….30….7
Southend United goalscorers after fourteen matches
Frank Dudley 7, Cyril Thompson 7, Alf Smirk 5, Harry Lane 5 and Ken Bennett 1

1541670218282.png

Arsenal 3-0 Southend United.
Saturday 9th November 1946 Football Combination:

Although defeated at Highbury by three goals to nil, the United played one of their best games and it was not until the closing stages that Arsenal added two more goals to secure their position. Hamilton, Sheard and Bell played well for the United.



Unknown to spectators many of the United players have been taking the field in borrowed and odd boots, following unsuccessful efforts to purchase new footwear. A manufacturer has now offered to supply a dozen pairs and an appeal is made to sixty supporters to supply one clothing coupon each. Already a good response has been made but more coupons are still required to boot the players satisfactorily. Incidentally Mr. Warren has received a letter from an eleven year old boy stating he wishes to start a football team and asking for a supply of shirts.

Owing to uncertain flying conditions, visits of football teams to B.A.O.R. in Germany have been temporarily postponed and it is unlikely that the United will visit their until next Spring

Chelmsford 6-3 EKCO
Saturday 9th November 1946 London League

Away at Chelmsford the EKCO first eleven put up a good fight in front of a large crowd. Within a few minutes Ron West sent in a beautiful shot which many were convinced had crossed the line but play was waved on. Chelmsford score two goals before F Horsley netted for the visitors, but determined play by the hosts meant that they went in 4-1 at the interval The lead was added to early in the second half but this did not deter EKCO West scored shortly afterwards and then with a fins solo effort George Doel added a third. Chelmsford scored a 6th before the end.

OTHER NEWS

PETROL COUPON OFFENCES
A Southchurch man went into a neighbours shop and mentioned that he needed petrol coupons at which a third person said he could get some and did so the next day. The documents so closely resembled a motor fuel coupon as to be calculated to deceive. The man was fined £10 with £3 3s £3.15) costs

Next Thursday episode 15: After Two Home wins can they make it a third win at Northampton
 
Episode 16: After Two Home wins can Blues make it a third win at Northampton

Northampton Town 2-3 Southend United.
No.15 Div 3 (South) Saturday 16th November 1946

Southend United gained their third successive victory by winning at Northampton by turning a one goal deficit into a 2-1 half time lead, although Northampton pulled level in the second half and put on a lot of a pressure their was little doubt that the United were the better side and if luck had gone with them they could of scored five or six. Cyril Thompson scored all three goals, although Lane was credited with one of them by the national papers. After the match the Northampton directors paid the Blues a huge compliment saying that they were the best side they had seen all season. For the attendance of 18,000 spectators it was the first home defeat for the home side for other two months. Northampton took the lead after seventeen minutes but Thompson equalised after twenty one minutes following a deceptive Lane centre and then in the 33rd minute Thompson put the Blues in the lead with a header from Lane’s cross. It only took the Town eight minutes of the second half to draw level but seven minutes later Sibley dribbled through and centred for Thompson to send the ball crashing into the net.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.

Division Three (South) Table as at 16th November 1946

  1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..16 …. 12….1….3….41….12….25
  2. ….Queens Park Rangers……..15 …. 9….5….1….23….9….23
  3. ….Bristol City………………………15 …. 10….3….2….38….17….23
  4. .Southend United…………..15 …. 8….4….3….28….20….20
  5. ….Bournemouth & Boscombe…16 …. 8….2….6….25….19….18
  6. ….Walsall….………………………..15 …. 6….5….4….23….19….17
  7. ….Exeter City……………………15 …. 7….3….5….23….25….17
  8. ….Swindon Town…..….…………15 …. 6….4….5….31….28….16
  9. ….Watford………..…………………16 …. 7….2….7….25….28….16
  10. ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….15 …. 6….4….5….19….24….16
  11. ….Port Vale…....……..……………15 …. 6….3….6….25….25….15
  12. ….Reading…………………………15 …. 5….4….6….41….32….14
  13. ….Northampton Town….….…..15 …. 6….2….7….25….22….14
  14. ….Crystal Palace…………………..16 …. 6….2….8….29….33….14
  15. ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..14 …. 4….5….5….21….20….13
  16. ….Notts. County….………………15 …. 6….1….8….27….26….13
  17. ….Mansfield Town……………….16 …. 4….5….7….21….31….13
  18. ….Torquay United……………….14 …. 3….6….5….20….22….12
  19. ….Aldershot………………………..15 …. 5….1….9….24….36….11
  20. ….Norwich City……………………16 …. 4….2….10….25….41….10
  21. ….Bristol Rovers….…………….15 …. 3….1….11….16….33….7
  22. ….Clapton Orient…...….………..14 …. 2….3….10….14….32….7


Southend United goalscorers after Fifteen matches
Cyril Thompson 10, Frank Dudley 7, Alf Smirk 5, Harry Lane 5 and Ken Bennett 1

Southend United 1-2 Plymouth Argyle
Saturday 16th November 1946 Football Combination: .

Having led for the greater part of the match with a score of 1-0 Plymouth Argyle Reserves held the points beyond the reach of Southend United Reserves at the Stadium. Despite the home teams continued efforts towards the end of the game, they only scored one goal that being a penalty converted by Sheard, and their efforts had deserved better rewards than that. Plymouth scored once in each half.
Team: Davis; Wilmot and Bell; H. Walton, Sheard and Shallcross; Gibson, Hamilton, L. Jones, Pickard and Tippett.

Tottenham 3-1 Southend United.

Monday 18th November 1946 Football Combination:
The United Reserves made a fruitless visit to Tottenham and were beaten by a strong Spurs team by 1-3. Lane playing in place of Tippett netted for Southend from a penalty. Hodges from Shoebury Town did well in a trial at centre forward.

OTHER NEWS

REDUNDANCY AT SHOEBURY RANGES
Over 50 women the last of those employed at the Shoeburyness ranges since the outbreak of war left their homes for the last time to do “war work” on Saturday. The measure had been caused by the normal reduction of Labour due to the cessation of war and with the arrival of redundancy among the workers the women who had made up the staff when the lack of man-power was the greatest, were the first to go. Originally there were over 100 women employees at the ranges during the war

LOCAL FOOTBALL


Southend and District League

Division One

Bowers Athletic 1 Battlesbridge 5
Hadleigh Athletic 1 Canvey 4
Hockley & Hawkwell 3 Assundune 2
Shoebury Town 10 Bowers United 0
Great Wakering BL 3 Rayleigh Town 3
Rayleigh Gaslight 2 Thundersley and Hadleigh 2

Division Two

Pitsea Reserves 0 Stambridge and Rankins 7
Runwell Hospital 8 Hadleigh Athletic Reserves 0
Rayleigh Town Reserves 5 Wickford Reserves 0
Battlesbridge Res 1 Hockley Rovers 2

Southend Borough Combination

Division 1

Westcliff Amateurs 6 Gaslight “A” 7
St Alban’s 4 St. Johns 1
Electricity 4 Gaslight “B” 4
R.A. 2 Leigh Ramblers 5
EKCO 1 Borough Rovers 1

Division 2

Homestead “B” 0 Leigh Ramblers 3
Gaslight 2 Monarchs 9
Shoebury Loco “A” 0 Municipal 2
Old Southendian 6 Brookside 0
Hamlet Court 1 Shoebury Loco “B” 4
Homestead “A” 0 City Athletic 6

Southend Mid-Week Combination

Southend Transport 1 Southend Chemico 4
Southend N.F.S. 2 Southend Police 6
Southend L.C.S. 2 Hadleigh Wednesday 3

Next Thursday Episode 16; Three wins on the trot can it continue?
 
I have included the local football results which I thought might be of interest.

When I was a young lad I asked my Dad if he had played football, he told me he wasn't very good but had played a few times for St. Alban's. Assuming this was St Albans at Hertfordshire this didn't make much sense. Now some 50 odd years later I understand their was a local side called St. Alban's
 
Episode 17; Three wins on the trot can it continue?

Southend United 2-1 Aldershot.
No.16 Div 3 (South) Saturday 23rd November 1946
Although Southend United defeated Aldershot by 2-1 is was only a moderate game and a poor prelude to the first round of the cup the following Saturday. Southend ran the rule over their oponents early on and found them defective and scored the early goal, however they then lapsed into a style that nearly cost them the game. The first goal came after ten minutes when Lane outwitted a back, who passed to Thompson on to Sibley and then yet again to Smirk who scored from close range. In the second half Aldershot came into the game a lot more and looked likely to draw level, however nine minutes from time Lane scored with a diving header. Aldershot did not give up and in the failing light a long shot found the net. It was a disappointing performance and perhaps the United were taking no chances with the cup game seven days away but in doing so nearly ten thousand supporters were sent home unhappy.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F.Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.

Division Three (South) Table as at 23rd November 1946
  1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..17 …. 13….1….3….43….13….27
  2. ….Queens Park Rangers……..16 …. 10….5….1….25….9….25
  3. ….Bristol City………………………16 …. 11….3….2….41….19….25
  4. .Southend United………..16 …. 9….4….3….30….21….22
  5. ….Bournemouth & Boscombe…17 …. 8….2….7….27….22….18
  6. ….Swindon Town…..….…………16 …. 7….4….5….32….28….18
  7. ….Walsall….………………………..16 …. 6….5….5….23….20….17
  8. ….Exeter City……………………15 …. 7….3….5….23….25….17
  9. ….Reading…………………………16 …. 6….4….6….44….34….16
  10. ….Northampton Town….….…..16 …. 7….2….7….28….22….16
  11. ….Watford………..…………………17 …. 7….2….8….27….31….16
  12. ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….16 …. 6….4….6….19….26….16
  13. ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..15 …. 5….5….5….23….21….15
  14. ….Port Vale…....……..……………16 …. 6….3….7….26….27….15
  15. ….Mansfield Town……………….17 …. 5….5….7….22….31….15
  16. ….Torquay United……………….15 …. 4….6….5….22….23….14
  17. ….Crystal Palace…………………..17 …. 6….2….9….20….35….14
  18. ….Notts. County….………………16 …. 6….1….9….27….27….13
  19. ….Aldershot………………………..16 …. 5….1….10….25….38….11
  20. ….Norwich City……………………17 …. 4….2….11….26….43….10
  21. ….Bristol Rovers….…………….16 …. 3….1….12….16….36….7
  22. ….Clapton Orient…...….………..15 …. 2….3….10….14….32….7
Southend United goalscorers after Sixteen matches
Cyril Thompson 10, Frank Dudley 7, Alf Smirk 6, Harry Lane 6 and Ken Bennett 1

Cardiff City 5-0 Southend United
Saturday 23rd November 1946 Football Combination:

Although losing by 5-0 at Ninian Park the United were not as outclassed as the score would suggest. At the interval the score was 0-2 to City but the score could easily have been reversed and it was only in the final few minutes that the three further goals were added. The ground was practically under water and the game was played through a terrific downpour, simply Cardiff adapted to the conditions better than Southend.

Ekco 2-3 Bedford Town
Saturday 23rd November 1946 London League

An early injury to an Ekco player and the subsequent reshuffle had an adverse effect on the radio men and the visitors were on top, and took a first half lead. From the start of the second half Ekco wen tall out and a cross by Horsley was headed in by Brown bringing the scores level. A second goal was added by Lewis for Ekco. From a free kick Bedford equalised but with less than a minute to go Ekco were awarded a free kick and George Doel landed the ball in the net for the winning goal

EKCO PLAYER HONOURED
Ron Horsley of Ekco who started his career with Wentworth School has been chosen to plat at inside right in the match between the London League and the Isthmian League to be played at Leytonstone on December 4th. The Ekcos team coach Harry Footman is also honoured by picked as the London League’s trainer.

F.A.CUP TIE AT BRUSH SPORTS LOUGHBOROUGH
Mr Harry Warren and the directors visited the Midlands on Saturday are under no illusions about the ability of Brush Sports. The Sports were playing at Ilkeston and suffered their first defeat of the season losing 1-0. The class of football was not particularly high but Brush Sports have several useful players. The pitch at Loughborough is somewhat smaller than at the Stadium but the surface is excellent and has not suffered to ay great extent from the flooding although there was much surface water all over the midlands.

The United will leave on Friday 11.22 and stay overnight in Derby. Brush Sports are very proud of their team which is made up entirely of electrical and clerical staff and occupies a position in Loughborough similar to Ekco in Southend. Brush Sports are in no way connected to Leicester City FC but it is true that many members of Brush have played for Leicester City and other clubs,

Next Thursday, Episode 18:" Up for Cup" at Brush Sports
 
Episode 18: " Up for Cup" at Brush Sports

Brush Sports (Loughborough) 1-6 Southend United.
F.A. Cup Round 1 - Saturday 30th November 1946
Southend beat the works team of Loughborough comparatively easily, but not by chance, for having studied them previously they knew every weakness in their team as was explained to the players in their team conference at Derby prior to the match. The attendance of 8,000 represented about a third of the population of the town and the match was the biggest event for some considerable time. The town is home of the bell foundry industry and before the match a carillon of 42 bells rang out from the nearby tower, in addition a brass band played and usual rattles, whistles, singing, shouting and general enthusiasm made the day a lively affair. Blue and white favours were quite prominent with seven coach loads of supporters leaving Southend early Saturday morning. The town certainly did Southend proud, they gave over their Civic restaurant to Southend supporters and they had a good meal while a local hotel secured an extension of hours. The players were presented to the Mayor before the kick off, on a pitch which considering the heavy rain that had fallen was not as bad as expected. The first goal came after ten minutes and credit must go to Bennett who spotted a space from a throw in which allowed Lane to centre for Sibley to score his first goal of the season. The joy was short lived as the ball stuck in the mud for Brush to equalise, and it took the Blues another 28 minutes before they restored the lead when Sibley crossed for Thompson to score. Three minutes after the break Bennett scored the third and Smirk dribbled through for the fourth after 21 minutes. Nine minutes later Thompson made it five and he completed his hattrick in scoring the sixth. It was not the procession that many thought it would be but there was little doubt who was the better more skilful side.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.

There was great interest in Southend on the progress of the match. In spite of the bad weather at one time in the afternoon their was a crowd of about 200 outside the Southend Standard office following the game from the fifteen minute bulletins posted in the window and a cheer went up as the result was announced. In addition over 100 telephone enquiries were dealt with.

Southend United 2-2 Northampton Town

Football Combination - Saturday 30th November 1946
Croisette and Greagg two Benfleet trialists played a prominent part in the match at the Stadium and without them it is doubtful if the United would have managed a draw against Northampton. The visitors took the lead in the opening stages but Croisette came to the rescue scoring with a shot which went in off the goalkeepers right boot. Gibson added to the home score about five minutes before the interval, and the Blues were pressing hard in the second half but the Cobblers scored from a breakaway.
Team: Davies; O’Brien and Bell; H. Walton, Woodward and Shallcross; Tippett, Hamilton, Greagg, Gibson and Croisette.


SECOND ROUND DRAW
Southend United were drawn away in the second round of the F.A.Cup and are due to visit Barnet the holders of the F.A. Amateur Cup. Their ground capacity is 10,000 and their average gate is 3,500. The expected gate for the Southend game us between 8,000 and 10,000. Owing to its low lying position the ground quickly becomes water logged. The United have received an allocation of 125 stand seats and by Wednesday morning far more applications had been received than could be accommodated it is anticipated however that there will be plenty of accommodation in the ground. Prices are 1s 6d for the ground, 2s 6d for the enclosure, 3s 6d for wing stands and 5s for the centre stan

LOCAL COMPANIES

DOMINION INSURANCE CO. LTD
High Street Southend
Announce the return of Major C. R. Hill local Branch manager after six and a half years War Service

F. LIDDIARD & SON – PRITTLEWELL’S LARGEST STORE
Victoria Avenue (opposite Roots Hall)
Have a wonderful selection of Modern Toys, agents for Meccano, Triang and

VICTORIA WINE CO. LTD
Prince Avenue, Prittlewell - High Street Southend
The Victoria Wine Company wishes to remind you that the speedy return of every wine, spirit or beer bottle is essential in the distribution of supplies. More wine is coming into the country but there are NO new bottles in which to put it

W. H. MEADES & SON
London Road Westcliff
Curtains made and fitted - Upholstery Specialists - Carpets beaten and re-laid.

Next Thursday, Episode 19:
Back to League action at the Stadium against Exeter
 
"There was great interest in Southend on the progress of the match. In spite of the bad weather at one time in the afternoon their was a crowd of about 200 outside the Southend Standard office following the game from the fifteen minute bulletins posted in the window and a cheer went up as the result was announced. In addition over 100 telephone enquiries were dealt with."

Perhaps those who keep, week in, week out, moaning about the BBC Essex live commentary should take note and count their blessings?
 
Blue and white favours were quite prominent with seven coach loads of supporters leaving Southend early Saturday morning.

Seven coach loads was quite impressive, it's quite good to know that we have a tradition of good away support that continues to today.
 
Episode 19: Back to League action at the Stadium against Exeter


Southend United 2-2 Exeter City
No.17 Div 3 (South) Saturday 7th December 1946.

It w ill be a long time before the Blues dominate a game so much yet have to be content with only a point, and then the point only gained in the final moments. Southend should have been comfortably in front for the whole match but they were continually fighting to get back on level terms. An unfortunate error by Walton in putting the ball into his own goal when attempting a back pass to Hankey, and Exeter scooping the ball out of the net when it had clearly crossed the line was enough to unsettle any side but the United kept pegging away and City must have left feeling extremely lucky. These were only two incidents from many, but it is the final result that counts and Exeter gained their first away point since September. City scored first from a scramble following a corner, this was after thirteen minutes, and another twenty five minutes elapsed before Lane beat the goalkeeper to the ball to head home to equalise. Walton made his fatal mistake twelve minutes after the interval and although the Blues pressed hard for the remainder of the match it was not until two minutes from the end that Montgomery headed the ball home from a corner. It was Montgomery’s first goal for the club despite coming up for virtually every corner.
Team: Hankey; Linton & F. Walton; Harris, Jackson & Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.

Division Three (South) Table as at 7th December 1946
  1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..18 …. 14….1….3….46….15….29
  2. ….Queens Park Rangers……..17 …. 11….5….1….27….9….27
  3. ….Bristol City………………………17 …. 11….3….3….42….23….25
  4. .Southend United………..17 …. 9….5….3….32….23….23
  5. ….Bournemouth & Boscombe…18 …. 9….2….7….29….22….20
  6. ….Reading…………………………17 …. 7….4….6….48….37….18
  7. ….Swindon Town…..….…………17 …. 7….4….6….33….31….18
  8. ….Exeter City……………………16 …. 7….4….5….25….27….18
  9. ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..16 …. 6….5….5….26….22….17
  10. ….Walsall….………………………..17 …. 6….5….6….25….23….17
  11. ….Brighton & Hove Albion..….17 …. 6….5….6….19….26….17
  12. ….Northampton Town….….…..17 …. 7….2….8….29….24….16
  13. ….Torquay United……………….16 …. 5….6….5….24….24….16
  14. ….Watford………..…………………18 …. 7….2….9….27….33….16
  15. ….Crystal Palace…………………..18 …. 7….2….9….22….36….16
  16. ….Port Vale…....……..……………17 …. 6….3….8….26….29….15
  17. ….Mansfield Town……………….18 …. 5….5….8….23….34….15
  18. ….Notts. County….………………17 …. 6….1….10….28….29….13
  19. ….Aldershot………………………..17 …. 6….1….10….28….39….13
  20. ….Norwich City……………………18 …. 4….2….12….29….47….10
  21. ….Leyton Orient…...….………..16 …. 3….3….10….18….33….9
  22. ….Bristol Rovers….…………….17 …. 3….2….12….16….36….8
Southend United League and Cup Goalscorers

Cyril Thompson 13, Frank Dudley 7, Alf Smirk 7, Harry Lane 7, Ken Bennett 2, Joe Sibley 1 and Stan Montgomery 1

Millwall 9-0 Southend United
Football Combination - Saturday 7th December 1946:
The Junior Blues suffered a heavy defeat at Millwall although they were only two goals adrift at half time, four of the goals in the second half were scored from successive corners. S. Bell a local junior from Monarchs played on the left wing and gave a promising display.

EKCO 0-4 Eton Manor
London League - Saturday 7th December 1946:

The visitors adjusted themselves to the sticky pitch and the Ekco team had taken a lesson they would have followed Manor’s tactics but contented themselves with playing normal football.

THE BARNET CUP MATCH
There is a feeling of optimism at the Stadium but once again the players are under no delusions. When the Barnet manager was asked why he was not watching the United prior to the match he replied “What’s the use”. No special train is being run but cheap tickets to Liverpool Street are available on the 10.24 a.m. L.N.E.R. at the return fare of 4s 11d (24½d). High Barnet is quite a short run from Liverpool Street. Westcliff Motor Services are running special coaches to the ground at 7s (35p) return leaving Pier Hill at 11.30 a.m.

FRANKIE HOWERD
Well known locally during the war years when he was stationed at Shoeburyness comedian Frankie Howerd who broadcast recently in Variety Bandbox will again take part in this popular radio show next Sunday with Vera Roper as his accompanist.

TREVOR BAILEY
Trevor Bailey the Essex C C cricketer and a Westcliff resident who has also assisted Southend United Reserves played for Cambridge in the Varsity match and scored the winning goal.

Next Thursday: Episode 20;
High Optimism for Cup match at Barnet
 
Episode 20; High Optimism for Cup match at Barnet

Barnet 2-9 Southend United
F.A. Cup Round 2 Saturday14th December 1946.

Southend overwhelmed the F.A. Amateur Cup holders to win by the score of 9-2 in front of a crowd of over 8,000. This was just under the record attendance for the ground, which had been set the previous year against Q.P.R. and would no doubt have been more had not the early morning fog deterred many. Quite half of the spectators came from Southend, many by coach but a large proportion by private cars and one enthusiast went up early Saturday morning to sell blue and white favours. The team went up by caoch and arrived without mishap although at one time in the vicinity of Romford there were apprehensions regarding the fog. The ground is well appointed for an amateur side but the pitch, known locally as the”mud patch” lived up to it’s name. At one time a mist spread over the ground and it seemed doubtful that the match would be finished, but the liberal coating of mud made it difficult for strangers to recognise the players and one or two participants rolled up their shorts so as to stop the mud flapping over their legs. Despite these circumstances the United played some dazzling football, they won the toss and chose to play with the advantage of the slope. Within the first two minutes the United had taken three corners and even at this early stage it was obvious that there would be a glut of goals in the Blues favour. The exchanges were just seven minutes old when Lane gave the Blues the lead and a minute later Thompson scored the second from Smirks cross. However for a short spell Barnet were inspired and managed to pull a goal back but in the 35th minute Smirk eluded the defence and passed to Lane to score the third. Lane added another a minute later from a Sibley cross and before half time Sibley headed home a corner kick to make it 5-1. Two minutes after the break Thompson hit the cross bar before Bennett recorded the sixth, and a minute later a swerving cross shot by Smirk wasn’t held by the goalkeeper and ended up in the net. Twelve minutes into the second period Sibley recorded the eighth, but Barnet not detterred scored their second. The final goal came seven minutes from time scored by Bennett. Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Sheard and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.


1544697442424.png

Poor Quality but this one of the pictures that appeared in the Southend Standard


Once again the progress of the cup-tie was posted up in the window of the Standard House and quite a large crowd braved the weather to follow the fortunes of the Blues by fifteen minute bulletins. Throughout the match the three line switchboard in the office was kept fully occupied with calls and the progress of the game was also phoned through to the Stadium where spectators at the reserve match were kept informed by a board going round the field. Many of the cinemas were also supplied with the result from the same office.

Southend United were drawn away to First Division Everton in the Third Round of the Cup

Southend United League and Cup Goalscorers
Cyril Thompson 14, Frank Dudley 7, Alf Smirk 7, Harry Lane 10, Ken Bennett 4, Joe Sibley 3, Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal

Southend United 1-1 Norwich City
Saturday 14th December 1946 Football Combination:
Trevor Bailey and S. Bell the two amateur players were outstanding in the 1-1 draw with Norwich at the Stadium. Shallcross made some good openings and Tippett at centre forward scored the opening goal Norwich equalised in a scramble. Southend were bottom of the Combination “A” table with just four wins and four draws from their twenty one games.

Football Combination Table
  1. ….Arsenal…………………………….21 …. 16….2….3….58….20….34
  2. ….Tottenham………………………23 …. 15….2….6….48….25….32
  3. ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..22 …. 14….2….6….66….49….30
  4. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..22 …. 14….1….7….66….41….29
  5. ….Reading…………………………….24 …. 10….5….9….45….44….25
  6. ….Charlton Athletic……………..23 …. 10….4….9….61….46….24
  7. ….Plymouth Argyle………………20 …. 10….2….8….43….36….22
  8. ….Birmingham City……………….18 …. 7….7….4….33….28….21
  9. ….Northampton Town….….…..21 …. 7….6….8….46….47….20
  10. ….Norwich City……………………21 …. 6….7….8….42….56….19
  11. ….Millwall……………………………21 …. 5….7….9….45….40….17
  12. ….Swindon Town…………………22 …. 5….7….10….36….54….17
  13. ….Luton Town………………………23 …. 5….5….13….40….59….15
  14. ….Crystal Palace…………………..21 …. 5….5….11….26….51….15
  15. ….Leyton Orient…...….………..21 …. 4….4….13….22….48….12
  16. .Southend United………..21 …. 4….4….13….22….48….12
BEDFORD TOWN 1-3 EKCO
Saturday 14th December 1946 - London League

Charlie Hillam in goal for Ekco gave a brilliant performance of saves from all angles, and was the hero of the match. A beautful goal line centre from left winger H Brown was snapped up for the opening goal, and R Horsley made it two just before half time. Beford reduced the arrears just after the break thanks to a penalty kick bur Ron West added a third to make a final score of 3-1

RADIO
For many it was easiest to rent a Radio set, Good Listening Ltd. of Hamlet Court Road, offered monthly or weekly terms on 5 valve, 4 wave band radio with immediate delivery and all service Free

Next Thursday: Episode 21 -
Table Topping match at the Stadium.
 
Last edited:
My Grandfather was quite ill at this time but however ill he was he would always be fit enough to watch Southend. His son (my uncle) had a car so they decided to drive to Barnet and invited his daughter's (my Mum) boyfriend along (who would be my dad). My Dad had only just been demobbed, having being kept on in the Army in a peace keeping force in Greece.

My Dad's memory of the match was that despite the hype Barnet fans were quite confident, and as the goals went in they became quite hostile to the Southend fans.
 
Episode 21 - Table Topping match at the Stadium

Southend United 4-1 Bristol City.
No.18 Div 3 (South) Saturday 21st December 1946

Southend triumphed 4-1 over Bristol City to maintain their outside interest in the Southern Section Championship, the visitors were unlucky in many respects but there was no doubting Southend’s superiority and the 8,000 supporters went home happy with their early Christmas present. Bristol left their home town before 8.00 a.m. but were able to enjoy breakfast on the train. They had lunch booked at the Grand Pier Hotel at Southend at noon but their train was so delayed by fog that they did not arrive at the Stadium till exactly 2.30 the time designated for kick off, but this had to be delayed by fifteen minutes. The ground staff had wisely decided not to clear the snow from the pitch, had they done so the match would have probably have to have been postponed. Thompson scored his fourth hattrick of the season, but it was Sibley who scored the first from the penalty spot after Thompson had been brought down. City equalised a few minutes later but before the interval Thompson gave the Blues the lead. His second goal came ten minutes after the changeover, there was not time for an interval, his third and the United’s fourth came ten minutes from the end. In addition to this Thompson had several efforts expertly saved, while a couple of efforts he missed as he couldn’t get a good foothold in the snow.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.

Division Three (South) Table as at 7th December 1946
  1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..19 …. 15….1….3….47….15….31
  2. ….Queens Park Rangers……..18 …. 12….5….1….34….9….29
  3. ….Bristol City………………………18 …. 11….3….4….43….27….25
  4. .Southend United………..18 …. 10….5….3….36….24….25
  5. ….Reading…………………………18 …. 8….4….6….51….37….20….
  6. ….Bournemouth & Bos....…18 …. 9….2….7….29….22….20
  7. ….Exeter City……………………18 …. 8….4….6….28….30….20
  8. ….Walsall….………………………..18 …. 7….5….6….27….23….19
  9. ….Brighton & Hove Alb....….19 …. 7….5….7….25….29….19
  10. ….Torquay United……………….17 …. 6….6….5….27….25….18
  11. ….Watford………..…………………19 …. 8….2….9….31….34….18
  12. ….Swindon Town…..….…………18 …. 7….4….7….33….38….18
  13. ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..17 …. 6….5….6….26….23….17
  14. ….Mansfield Town……………….20 …. 6….5….9….24….39….17
  15. ….Crystal Palace…………………..19 …. 7….3….9….24….39….17
  16. ….Northampton Town….….…..18 …. 7….2….9….29….27….16
  17. ….Port Vale…....……..……………18 …. 6….4….8….26….29….16
  18. ….Aldershot………………………..18 …. 6….2….10….28….39….14
  19. ….Notts. County….………………18 …. 6….1….11….28….31….13
  20. ….Norwich City……………………19 …. 4….2….13….30….51….10
  21. ….Leyton Orient…...….………..16 …. 3….3….10….18….33….9
  22. ….Bristol Rovers….…………….19 …. 3….3….13….18….39….9
Southend United League and Cup Goalscorers
Cyril Thompson 17, Frank Dudley 7, Alf Smirk 7, Harry Lane 10, Ken Bennett 4, Joe Sibley 4, Stan Montgomery 1 and 1 own goal

Colchester United 2-0 Southend United.
Saturday 21st December 1946 Reserve Friendly:

The friendly match against Non-League Colchester was dominated by the defences, Colchester did more of the attacking and in the second half managed to overcome the defensive trio formed by Davis in goal and O’Brien and Bell at backs. The highlight for Southend was perhaps the inclusion of Trevor Bailey but he missed a “sitter”. The first goal came after 27 minutes of the second half, after a cross by Hillman the former Southend player. The Blues went within an ace of equalising when Bailey sent the ball inches wide but the result was settled shortly afterwards when the home side scored a second

JERSEYS FOR THE CUP MATCH

Mr. Harry Warren has written to Aston Villa asking for the loan of a set of jerseys to use in the cup-tie against Everton. As both clubs have to change, the United thought they would go all out to spring a surprise, and there is every hope that the Villa will meet their request. Villa who have won the cup six times play in claret and light blue.

CHRISTMAS
With Christmas approaching Southend United had a hectic programme with three games in four days, with Watford away on Christmas Day, Watford at home on Boxing Day and then Walsall two days later. Blues could however look back on satisfaction as after 20 League and cup games they had only lost three times. Having scored 36 goals in the League and 15 in two Cup matches was quite an achievement considering that regular first team centre forward Frank Dudley had been out injured for much of this time, but Cyril Thompson had stepped in with 17 goals.

They had caught third place Bristol City on points and although unlikely if they were to continue this form promotion (Champions only) could be a possibility, added to this the away Cup tie at Everton was looming. All tis considered the future looked very bright.

Next Thursday Episode 22: A Hectic Christmas
 
Episode 22: A Hectic Christmas

Christmas 1946

Watford 4-0 Southend United.
No.19 Div 3 (South) Wednesday 25th December 1946

The defeat by such a score cannot be explained. It must be admitted that it was the United’s worst performance of the season, and nothing went right for them while good efforts from Thompson, Montgomery, Sibley, Bennett and Smirk were all good enough to record goals but they missed by inches. Both sides play in Blue so Southend had to change colours, but this seems to be missed for the first fifteen minutes as the United still passed to the blue shirts of Watford and during this time the hosts established a two goal lead and they never looked like losing it from then on. The ground was like a glue pot and Southend seemed unable to pass the ball about. Watford were definitely the better side but of a quality barely better than a combination side. The match meant an early start for the United as the game kicked off at 11.00 a.m. so although the spectators could be home for their Christmas dinners only about 5,000 were present showing how little they expected of the Watford side.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.

1545902549003.png

Southend United 1-1 Leyton Orient.
Wednesday 25th December 1946 Football Combination:

A stiff breeze spoilt the football but the two amateurs S. Bell and C. Guest both did well. Bell sent in the pass which lead to Southend’s goal Gibson scoring after the goalkeeper had saved from Hamilton. Leyton Orient equalised after the interval when Davies lost position and the ball was run into the net. Tippet at centre forward and Trevor Bailey on the wing swapped places in the second half but the Blues couldn’t find the elusive winning goal.
Team: Davies; O’Brien and Bell; Woodward, Sheard and Guest; Bailey, Gibson, Tippett, Hamilton and S. Bell.

Southend United 5-0 Watford.
No.20 Div 3 (South) Thursday 26th December 1946

The conditions at the Stadium were good and the Blues were on the top of their game and Watford didn’t have one serious shot on target. It was an excellent holiday game with a record attendance of 16,000 for a League match, some gates of the ground had to be shut but were reopened later. It was somewhat unfortunate that the Watford player Gray was barracked by a section of the crowd from the moment he stepped on the pitch but later all the Watford players deserved the jeers that came their way, several of their players were spoken to by the referee and on other occasions they could have been sent off. Before Thompson headed the United into the lead after twenty two minutes, all the forwards had had good efforts to open the scoring. Five minutes later Sibley headed a perfect pass from Lane. The second half was five minutes old when Lane dribbled through to score and half an hour later Sibley finished a brilliant run with a rasping shot into the net. Ten minutes from time Lane completed the scoring with a fine overhead kick.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane.

Leyton Orient 1-2 Southend United.
Thursday 26th December 1946 Football Combination:

The Junior Blues gave an excellent display at Brisbane road and were well worth the victory, Shallcross deputised for Guest and S. Bell put on another impressive display. Tippet and T. Bailey scored the goals.

Walsall 2-2 Southend United.
No.21 Div 3 (South) Saturday 28th December 1946

Walsall were eighth in the table five points and places behind Southend, at Fellows Park they had only lost three of their eleven games, yet they had started the season poorly gaining only one point from their first five games and finding themselves bottom of the table. However they had only lost two games since and had a ten game unbeaten run winning six and drawing four, their last two home games had been 2-0 victories over Notts County and Bristol Rovers who were both at the foot of the table. Southend fielded an unchanged team and went into a two goal half time lead with goals from Thompson and Smirk, but in the second half Walsall came back and scored twice to share the points. The attendance was approaching 15,000.
Team: Hankey; Linton and F. Walton; Harris, Jackson and Montgomery; Sibley, Smirk, Thompson, Bennett and Lane

Southend United 4-0 Reading.
Saturday 28th December 1946 Football Combination:

When Reading visited the Stadium they found the Junior Blues transformed which kept the visitors at bay and went on to win by four goals to nil. Dudley having his first run out since injury inspired the forwards. Dudley and Tippett scored two each. C. Guest from Wolverhampton made an appearance.
Team: Davies; Woodland and Bell; Guest, Sheard and Shallcross; Tippett, Bailey, Dudley, Hamilton and Bell.

Division Three (South) Table as at 28th December 1946

  1. ….Cardiff City……..…..…………..21 …. 17….1….3….54….16….35
  2. ….Queens Park Rangers……..21 …. 13….6….2….38….13….32
  3. ….Bristol City………………………21 …. 12….4….5….56….32….28
  4. .Southend United………..21 …. 11….6….4….43….30….28
  5. ….Reading…………………………21 …. 9….6….6….57….40….24
  6. ….Exeter City……………………21 …. 10….4….7….37….34….24
  7. ….Walsall….………………………..21 …. 8….7….6….33….27….23
  8. ….Swindon Town…..….…………21 …. 9….5….7….40….41….23
  9. ….Bournemouth & Bos.....…21 …. 10….2….9….36….26….22
  10. ….Torquay United……………….20 …. 8….6….6….32….33….22
  11. ….Ipswich Town..…...…………..20 …. 7….7….6….30….25….21
  12. ….Port Vale…....……..……………21 …. 8….5….8….34….32….21
  13. ….Watford………..…………………22 …. 9….2….11….35….41….20
  14. ….Crystal Palace…………………..22 …. 8….4….10….30….40….20
  15. ….Northampton Town….….…..21 …. 8….3….10….35….34….19
  16. ….Brighton & Hove Alb....….22 …. 7….5….10….28….41….19
  17. ….Mansfield Town……………….23 …. 6….7….10….27….45….19
  18. ….Notts. County….………………21 …. 7….2….12….32….36….16
  19. ….Aldershot………………………..21 …. 6….3….12….30….52….15
  20. ….Norwich City……………………22 …. 5….2….15….33….63….12
  21. ….Bristol Rovers….…………….22 …. 3….5….14….21….44….11
  22. ….Leyton Orient…...….………..18 …. 3….4….11….18….34….10

DEBT FREE
Southend United start the New Year free of debt the first time in the clubs forty year history that there has been no deficit. During the past twelve months liabilities of £5,000 have been cleared and there is no bank overdraft. By the end of the season the club should be in a sound financial position for they can still count on substantial receipts from the F.A. Cup and there is still a useful sum from the cup pool. In addition if the gates are maintained at the present level further liabilities are not likely to accrue.

FRANK DUDLEY
Frank Dudley has now completely recovered from his injury and came through his test with the Reserves on Saturday with no ill effects. He will not be playing next week-end as he returns to his unit prior to demobilisation which is due in the next ten days.

ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa have agreed to lend the United a set of jerseys to play in at Everton as both teams will be changing due to the clash of colours.

Next Thursday; Episode 23 Happy New Year (1947)
 
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DEBT FREE
Southend United start the New Year free of debt the first time in the clubs forty year history that there has been no deficit. During the past twelve months liabilities of £5,000 have been cleared and there is no bank overdraft. By the end of the season the club should be in a sound financial position for they can still count on substantial receipts from the F.A. Cup and there is still a useful sum from the cup pool. In addition if the gates are maintained at the present level further liabilities are not likely to accrue.
Oh how times change.
 
ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa have agreed to lend the United a set of jerseys to play in at Everton as both teams will be changing due to the clash of colours.

That I did not know (or remember).

So Southend United played in Claret and Light Blue (Aston Villa's kit) away at Everton in the FA Cup 3rd round on the 11th Jan 1947 in front of 50,124, we unfortunately lost the game 4-2.. :Look:
 
That I did not know (or remember).

So Southend United played in Claret and Light Blue (Aston Villa's kit) away at Everton in the FA Cup 3rd round on the 11th Jan 1947 in front of 50,124, we unfortunately lost the game 4-2.. :Look:

Don't jump the gun all will be revealed in Episode 24:Clap:
 
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