Well, I was expecting more today.
It had been a great day - met Matt the Shrimp at 8:30am in Lewisham for a fry up breakfast at Maggie's in Lewisham (can heartily recommend it, if anyone is in the area). We pored over the Grand National runners and riders - my early tip of Kelami (based on a Sun story yesterday that compiled a photofit of the likely winner from the mixed features of winners from the past 25 years and showed Kelami's jockey to be the most likely) was swiftly blown out of the water by the Racing Post form guide. Matt came up with two much more sensible choices of Le Duc and Zabenz.
We set off, well fed and watered, in the car heading for Boots and Laces to watch the U18s final match of the season against Pompey. The sun was shining and everything was well in the World.
Arriving at Boots and Laces bang on 11, we took our places on the touchline with Rob Craven of the Little Gazette and a couple of other Zoners that it was great to meet in person.
The yoofs played with purpose, skill and commitment and made their Permiership opponents look very ordinary indeed. We were stronger all over the park - no surprise then that we were at opposite ends of the table to Pompey. Johnny Herd at left back looked excellent and composed, with an effortless long throw that caused havoc in the Pompey box every time he used it. Tom Hopkins at centre back put in a man of the match display with some assured defending and a goal in each half, and Peggy Lokendo looked a really lively prospect up front with an excellent touch and close control. Plenty to look forward to in the future, well done Ricky Duncan! A minor panic occurred on the touchline part way through the game when Matt realised he'd left his ticket at home - but a quick call to the ticket office and all was sorted out - phew.
As the match came to an end, Matt and I made our way in the car to park in Colchester Road, so we could go to Hills. A fiver each way on both of Matt's picks and my betting cherry had been popped. Five minutes later and we were in the beer garden at the Spread in glorious sunshine with Barry Harris, Leeboy, Chadded, Cricko, MrB and others... even my Dad popped in with an embarrassing picture of me and my brother as kids, which he duly showed everyone. Cheers Dad. Undeterred, so far it had been the perfect day!
The clock ticked round to 2:30 and it was time to go to the ground. On a day this good, everyone was in high spirits and anticipating a good win. Barnsley would be under strength, we were without Eastwood as well but the feeling was we would win comfortably anyway - perhaps his absence would be a bonus if others took it upon themselves to fill the scoring role.
As the first 15 minutes unfolded I felt we looked pretty good. The crowd were up for it, the players didnt look too nervous and Barnsley were not really troubling us.
However, as has so often happened this season, the opposition scored first against the run of play. The ball had definately gone out on the east stand side, but the lino didnt raise his flag and credit to Barnsley they did exactly what you should do - they played to the whistle. We didnt. The cross came in, there were no challenges and Nardiello had the freedom of the 6 yard box to pick his spot. In my opinion Flavs had no chance. The rest of the half was fairly scrappy until the worst happened, Barnsley scored again. Once again, it hadnt really been as a result of sustained Barnsley pressure or a well worked move - the ball flew in direct from a corner kick. Flavs, you've dropped a bollock there mate big style. Whats more, Barnsley also tought our corner kickers how to beat the first man. When was the last inswinging Southend corner that went to the far post? Perhaps not long ago in reality but its such a rare occurrence it certainly feels like it.
Half time was greeted with boos and we were crestfallen. Still, with any luck a half time rocket would see the Blues attack what was, after all, one of the worst defences in the league and we would get the goals we needed.
No chance I'm afraid, no sooner had the second half started (at least it seemed that way, peering between my fingers) and Barnsley scored again. Game over. Season over, surely.
So, what now? Well, undoubtedly we have not been good enough this year. Mistakes have been made by the management and these will be debated all summer. What I am certain of though is that all the right people are in charge at the club, top to bottom. This relegation, if thats what it ends up being, will be new territory for Steve Tilson as a manager and I'm sure he knows in his heart of hearts where he's gone wrong this season, so I dont need to go into it here.
One thing is certain though in my opinion, and that is that the transfer policy which had been red hot throughout his tenure deserted him this season. All the good picks of previous years had led to our successes - but this year I'm afraid a few wronguns came in - as well as some who will go on to be excellent players for the club I'm sure.
So my feeling is this. We could stay up - it would be a miracle, but it can be done. Lets enjoy the last few games of the season, because it will be a long summer. Tilly can go away, mentally drained I'm sure, recharge those batteries, reflect on what went wrong and come back renewed next year.
Whatever division we are in then, I'm certain we will be a stronger team. What's more, I hadn't expected this Championship season so soon and its been a great journey win, lose or draw. I think we'll be back very soon. Meanwhile, I'll still be getting behind the Shrimpers and loving every minute.
COME ON YOU SHRIMPERS!!
It had been a great day - met Matt the Shrimp at 8:30am in Lewisham for a fry up breakfast at Maggie's in Lewisham (can heartily recommend it, if anyone is in the area). We pored over the Grand National runners and riders - my early tip of Kelami (based on a Sun story yesterday that compiled a photofit of the likely winner from the mixed features of winners from the past 25 years and showed Kelami's jockey to be the most likely) was swiftly blown out of the water by the Racing Post form guide. Matt came up with two much more sensible choices of Le Duc and Zabenz.
We set off, well fed and watered, in the car heading for Boots and Laces to watch the U18s final match of the season against Pompey. The sun was shining and everything was well in the World.
Arriving at Boots and Laces bang on 11, we took our places on the touchline with Rob Craven of the Little Gazette and a couple of other Zoners that it was great to meet in person.
The yoofs played with purpose, skill and commitment and made their Permiership opponents look very ordinary indeed. We were stronger all over the park - no surprise then that we were at opposite ends of the table to Pompey. Johnny Herd at left back looked excellent and composed, with an effortless long throw that caused havoc in the Pompey box every time he used it. Tom Hopkins at centre back put in a man of the match display with some assured defending and a goal in each half, and Peggy Lokendo looked a really lively prospect up front with an excellent touch and close control. Plenty to look forward to in the future, well done Ricky Duncan! A minor panic occurred on the touchline part way through the game when Matt realised he'd left his ticket at home - but a quick call to the ticket office and all was sorted out - phew.
As the match came to an end, Matt and I made our way in the car to park in Colchester Road, so we could go to Hills. A fiver each way on both of Matt's picks and my betting cherry had been popped. Five minutes later and we were in the beer garden at the Spread in glorious sunshine with Barry Harris, Leeboy, Chadded, Cricko, MrB and others... even my Dad popped in with an embarrassing picture of me and my brother as kids, which he duly showed everyone. Cheers Dad. Undeterred, so far it had been the perfect day!
The clock ticked round to 2:30 and it was time to go to the ground. On a day this good, everyone was in high spirits and anticipating a good win. Barnsley would be under strength, we were without Eastwood as well but the feeling was we would win comfortably anyway - perhaps his absence would be a bonus if others took it upon themselves to fill the scoring role.
As the first 15 minutes unfolded I felt we looked pretty good. The crowd were up for it, the players didnt look too nervous and Barnsley were not really troubling us.
However, as has so often happened this season, the opposition scored first against the run of play. The ball had definately gone out on the east stand side, but the lino didnt raise his flag and credit to Barnsley they did exactly what you should do - they played to the whistle. We didnt. The cross came in, there were no challenges and Nardiello had the freedom of the 6 yard box to pick his spot. In my opinion Flavs had no chance. The rest of the half was fairly scrappy until the worst happened, Barnsley scored again. Once again, it hadnt really been as a result of sustained Barnsley pressure or a well worked move - the ball flew in direct from a corner kick. Flavs, you've dropped a bollock there mate big style. Whats more, Barnsley also tought our corner kickers how to beat the first man. When was the last inswinging Southend corner that went to the far post? Perhaps not long ago in reality but its such a rare occurrence it certainly feels like it.
Half time was greeted with boos and we were crestfallen. Still, with any luck a half time rocket would see the Blues attack what was, after all, one of the worst defences in the league and we would get the goals we needed.
No chance I'm afraid, no sooner had the second half started (at least it seemed that way, peering between my fingers) and Barnsley scored again. Game over. Season over, surely.
So, what now? Well, undoubtedly we have not been good enough this year. Mistakes have been made by the management and these will be debated all summer. What I am certain of though is that all the right people are in charge at the club, top to bottom. This relegation, if thats what it ends up being, will be new territory for Steve Tilson as a manager and I'm sure he knows in his heart of hearts where he's gone wrong this season, so I dont need to go into it here.
One thing is certain though in my opinion, and that is that the transfer policy which had been red hot throughout his tenure deserted him this season. All the good picks of previous years had led to our successes - but this year I'm afraid a few wronguns came in - as well as some who will go on to be excellent players for the club I'm sure.
So my feeling is this. We could stay up - it would be a miracle, but it can be done. Lets enjoy the last few games of the season, because it will be a long summer. Tilly can go away, mentally drained I'm sure, recharge those batteries, reflect on what went wrong and come back renewed next year.
Whatever division we are in then, I'm certain we will be a stronger team. What's more, I hadn't expected this Championship season so soon and its been a great journey win, lose or draw. I think we'll be back very soon. Meanwhile, I'll still be getting behind the Shrimpers and loving every minute.
COME ON YOU SHRIMPERS!!
