bluearmy
Youth Team
FLAHAVAN: "WE FANCY OUR CHANCES"
By Chris Wilson, PA Sport
Southend goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan claims the goalless draw at Northampton in
the play-offs has tempered the disappointment of not achieving automatic
promotion.
Steve Tilson`s men were cruising to League One earlier in the year, until a
barren run of one win in five league games saw the wheels come off when it most
mattered.
Victory at Grimsby on the final day of the season would also have confirmed
their automatic promotion from League Two, but a 1-1 draw at Blundell Park saw
Scunthorpe and Swansea sneak past them into the top three.
However, supporters` concerns their club had peaked too early were allayed
with a dogged performance in the semi-final first leg at Sixfields.
Northampton had the better chances of a dire contest, and Flahavan had to make
a terrific stop off Andy Kirk in the closing stages.
But the visitors, and Flahavan in particular, deserved a share of the spoils
for a solid defensive performance - particularly in the first half when
Northampton poured forward in search of an early breakthrough.
"Everyone was a bit down after the Grimsby game so it was nice to perform
like that after our recent bad run," said the 26-year-old Southend goalkeeper.
"This has hopefully given us the confidence to make the final - and hopefully
get promotion.
"I think both sides had chances but we defended well and deserved our clean
sheet.
"It`s a good scoreline but it`s anyone's game. We`re at home so we`re going
to put the pressure on; we fancy our chances."
Northampton defender Luke Chambers rejected the theory Southend are now
favourites to progress to the final at the Millennium Stadium.
The Cobblers` distribution and finishing may have been suspect in the first
leg, but Colin Calderwood`s side have now kept four consecutive clean sheets and
rarely looked like conceding against the Essex club.
Although Southend carry important home advantage this Saturday, Chambers
believes being the away team may be a boon in their quest to reach the final.
"We don`t think about the fact that we are the underdogs because I don`t
think we are," said the 19-year-old centre-back.
"We know we can beat anyone on our day and if any anything, there`ll be less
pressure because we are the away team, and they will be the ones looking to
attack.
"The fans are going to be massive when we go down there. They were excellent
in the home game and we need them to be the same at their place."
end
By Chris Wilson, PA Sport
Southend goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan claims the goalless draw at Northampton in
the play-offs has tempered the disappointment of not achieving automatic
promotion.
Steve Tilson`s men were cruising to League One earlier in the year, until a
barren run of one win in five league games saw the wheels come off when it most
mattered.
Victory at Grimsby on the final day of the season would also have confirmed
their automatic promotion from League Two, but a 1-1 draw at Blundell Park saw
Scunthorpe and Swansea sneak past them into the top three.
However, supporters` concerns their club had peaked too early were allayed
with a dogged performance in the semi-final first leg at Sixfields.
Northampton had the better chances of a dire contest, and Flahavan had to make
a terrific stop off Andy Kirk in the closing stages.
But the visitors, and Flahavan in particular, deserved a share of the spoils
for a solid defensive performance - particularly in the first half when
Northampton poured forward in search of an early breakthrough.
"Everyone was a bit down after the Grimsby game so it was nice to perform
like that after our recent bad run," said the 26-year-old Southend goalkeeper.
"This has hopefully given us the confidence to make the final - and hopefully
get promotion.
"I think both sides had chances but we defended well and deserved our clean
sheet.
"It`s a good scoreline but it`s anyone's game. We`re at home so we`re going
to put the pressure on; we fancy our chances."
Northampton defender Luke Chambers rejected the theory Southend are now
favourites to progress to the final at the Millennium Stadium.
The Cobblers` distribution and finishing may have been suspect in the first
leg, but Colin Calderwood`s side have now kept four consecutive clean sheets and
rarely looked like conceding against the Essex club.
Although Southend carry important home advantage this Saturday, Chambers
believes being the away team may be a boon in their quest to reach the final.
"We don`t think about the fact that we are the underdogs because I don`t
think we are," said the 19-year-old centre-back.
"We know we can beat anyone on our day and if any anything, there`ll be less
pressure because we are the away team, and they will be the ones looking to
attack.
"The fans are going to be massive when we go down there. They were excellent
in the home game and we need them to be the same at their place."
end
