Official Match Thread Lincoln City vs Southend United

[The Big Dady]

The Official Match Thread brought to you by ShrimperZone.com

So here we are the second away game of the 2019/20 season and the 5th away game since Kevin Bond was appointed Manager of the Mighty Shrimpers.

Our second away match is against Lincoln City




It is now time for ALL of us to get behind Kevin and the team whether you are at the Sincil Bank, listening on the radio, or watching on ifollow.

Kevin Bond’s Southend United League One Away Team against Lincoln City



Sincil Bank pitch looks perfect and is ready for action at 3.00pm 17th August 2019, it looks like we are going to have a pleasant afternoon for the game, but with sunny intervals but a fresh breeze.



Lincoln have sold more than 8,700 tickets for this game so expect a great atmosphere inside Sincil Bank stadium.



The weather forecast for day at Sincil Bank



Kevin Bond’s current away record after 4 away games

Won 0
Drawn 2
Lost 2
Goals scored 3
Goals conceded 5

League Positions Last Season

19th (2018/19) League One Southend United
1st (2018/19) League Two Lincoln City (Promoted Champions)

League Positions Current Season

2nd (2019/20 Season) League One Lincoln City
22nd (2019/20 Season) League One Southend United

Recent League Positions Change



Previous five Meetings

Lincoln City 2-1 Southend United (L2 12/03/11 Att. 3,460)
Southend United 1-0 Lincoln City (L2 2/10/10 Att. 5,154)
Southend United 2-0 Lincoln City (POF 28/05/05 Att. 19,653)(Millennium Stadium)
Southend United 1-1 Lincoln City (L2 12/03/05 Att. 5,824)
Lincoln City 1-1 Southend United (L2 10/08/04 Att. 3,991)

Head to Head record

Southend United Wins: 20
Draws: 14
Lincoln City Wins: 12


The New Era

Kevin Bond license to Win!​

 

[The Big Dady]

Managers Pre-match Views
​

Lincoln City

Danny Cowley talks to Chris Phillips of the ECHO before the game with Southend United

Lincoln City boss Danny Cowley is excited to face Southend United

Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley​

Danny Cowley is excited to be facing Southend United in a competitive fixture for the first time tomorrow.

The former Concord Rangers boss, who was also previously head of PE at Rayleigh’s FitzWimarc School, has worked wonders since taking charge of Lincoln City in 2016.

And Cowley is looking forward to welcoming the Shrimpers to Sincil Bank.

“It’s a game we’re excited about as Southend are our local team really,” said the 40-year-old, who is assisted by his brother Nicky at Sincil Bank.

“We’ve always been West Ham fans but I remember when we were younger Southend would often play on Friday nights so we would go down and cheer them on.

“We have several friends who are season ticket holders there and obviously we taught a lot of supporters when we were at FitzWimarc.

“I can still remember the buzz around the school when they beat Manchester United and they are a club we are very respectful towards so it will be great to play them in a competitive fixture for the first time.”

Cowley - who has taken Lincoln from the National League into League One - has often been linked with Blues in the past.

But the 40-year-old insisted he had never come close to taking charge at Roots Hall.

“There’s been speculation but I think it’s always been people putting two and two together and getting the wrong answer in truth,” said Cowley.

“But we look forward to welcoming Ron Martin, Kevin Bond and the fans this weekend.”

Lincoln have made a strong start to the season, with three victories in succession, but Cowley is not getting carried away.

“We have a very small squad and we’re short of numbers so the first objective will be to get to 50 points,” said Cowley.

“If we can push on from there then great but it’s the first time this century that Lincoln have played at this level and we’re very humbled to be here.

“We’ve made quick progress but when that happens you can face big challenges on and off the pitch which is what we’re facing now.”

However, the Imps have coped well with the step up in standard and bolstered their squad with the signing of ex-Shrimper Jack Payne in the summer.

“I never thought we would have a chance of getting Jack in but we love having him here,” said Cowley.

“He had a great education at Southend and he has unbelievable enthusiasm for the game. We’re lucky to have him.”

Full text can be found here:-
https://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/blues/17841526.cowley-excited-face-shrimpers/

Danny Cowley talks to Lincolnshire Live before the game with Southend United

On Southend........

It's fair to say Southend have enjoyed an indifferent start to the season with one win in their opening three fixtures which came against Stevenage in the cup.

The former Championship club avoided relegation on the final day last season, but Cowley is wary of the threat that they posses.

Cowley said: "I think they've a very experienced manager who's managed through the divisions.

"They're a good team with really good players but have had a difficult start which just re-emphasises what a tough league this is.

"If Southend were competing in League Two they'd be competing right at the top end of the division because of the quality they've got in their squad.

"They've got a system that works for them and were able to pick up a win in midweek against a Stevenage side that were on the front foot and aggressuive.

"They more than matched them and fully deserved that win and will more than likely be buoyed from that result.

"They'll come into this game with renewed confidence. They've got good experience throughout their spine and some good technical players,

"They've actually got a really nice blend between experience and academy players that we know well because I think we used to produce them from our school.

"It's a game that we'll look forward too and we used to teach a lot of Southend fans.

"We're hoping to get on the right side of a win otherwise I'm expecting peltings on my twitter feed."

Former fan favourite Theo Robinson will be hoping to make his return to Sincil Bank.........

Former Lincoln City favourite Theo Robinson is expected to be among the Southend United ranks ahead of Saturday's fixture.

The frontman enjoyed a brief spell at Sincil Bank during the memorable run to the FA Cup quarter final.

He scored both of Lincoln's goals in a 2-2 draw with Ipswich at Portman Road and scored against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Cowley said: "We love Theo. We loved his energy and we love his work rate. He did great for us.

"He was unbelievable for us and we'll be forever appreciative for what he did in his short spell with us.

"We were gutted beyond belief when we lost him to Southend on deadline day but we'll be pleased to see him.

"I think everyone will have fond memories of Theo and the goals he scored in particular in that wonderful FA cup run."

Team selection on Saturday..........

Cowley said: "I think we're aware of having such a small squad and the fact that we've had one or two who've had stop start pre-seasons.

"We need to make sure that they're in a place where they can cope with the demands of playing back to back games.

"It's something that we're ware of but we're positive given the performance on Tuesday night, that when we bring in players they will make a huge contribution.

"While we're short on quantity we're certainly high on quality."

Lincoln will be boosted by the return of Jason Shackell who missed the first three games of the season through suspension.

It'll be interesting to see whether he's able to oust Cian Bolger or Michael Bostwick who've both started the season impressively.

Cowley said:" It's brilliant to have him back involved it's felt like a prison sentence for us because he's such a key player, he sets the standards every day on the training pitch.

"Both in terms of work ethic and quality of his performance, we're delighted to have him back in the 18."

On injuries.........

Tom Pett and Lee Frecklington remain sidelined with injuries and will miss out the League One clash.

Cowley said:"We hope Joe Morrell will be alright for the weekend he had a little problem with his asthma I think maybe the change in temperature, going from outside to inside.

"It's been a lingering issues for a while and we've had some professional advice and some medical support and hopefully we'll get to the bottom of it.

"We've got a couple longer term injuries. Medium to long term really in Tom Pett and Lee Frecklington.

"But the rest of the group are fit and well and healthy and we're looking forward to the game."

Alex Bradley was a strange omission from the Imps side at Huddersfield but is likely to play some part on Saturday.

The imps manager said: "Alex Bradley will be fit and available for Saturday there was potential that he was going to go out on loan. That's our aim for Alex and there's still potential for that to happen.

"With the squad as small and tight as it is we need all the bodies we can get."

Full text can be found here:-
https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/...ll-news/its-massive-us-talking-points-3220305


Southend United

Kevin Bond unfortunately has NOT done or published a pre-match interview with Chris Phillips at the ECHO or the Southend United OS website apart from a short video on ifollow which you have to subscribe to (Disappointed and a missed opportunity by our club).

SUFC Management Team Gary Waddock, Kevin Bond, and Svetoslav Todorov​

The following taken from the OS Match Preview

Overview

Blues will be looking to build on their midweek win against Stevenage in the Carabao Cup tomorrow afternoon as they return to league action to take on Lincoln City at Sincil Bank.

Southend haven’t picked up a point from their opening two league fixtures, but the win on Tuesday night – their first since 2010 in the League Cup – will have given Blues a confidence boost.

It’s been 27 years since Southend last lost their opening three league games in a row and Kevin Bond’s side will be desperate for history not to repeat itself come Saturday.

Form

Southend have not made the best of starts to their league season with back-to-back defeats meaning Blues are without a point in this early stage of the campaign.

A narrow 1-0 defeat to Coventry was followed by a 3-1 loss to Blackpool, although Southend will be buoyed by the come-from-behind win against Stevenage in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Lincoln have settled immediately into League One with wins over Accrington and Rotherham. The Imps then went on to beat Huddersfield in midweek and have yet to concede a single goal.

Last Meeting

Saturday 12th March 2011

Lincoln City 2-1 Southend United

Grimes 38’, 78’; Sturrock 60’

Ashely Grimes was the match-winner last time these two sides met back in 2011 at Sincil Bank, with his brace securing a 2-1 win over Blues in League Two.

Grimes opened the scoring before the interval before Blair Sturrock levelled matters on the hour. But Grimes was on hand again to snatch the winner and the points with 12 minutes remaining.

Blues Team News

Kevin Bond will be checking the fitness of a number of players ahead of Saturday with Blues picking up a few knocks in the midweek cup win.

Harry Lennon was forced off with a head injury on Tuesday and will need to be assessed. Mark Milligan also struggled midweek and missed training yesterday so is a doubt for the weekend.

Jason Demetriou is back in training but is unlikely to feature, along with fellow defender Rob Kiernan who has returned to light training and will definitely not be available on Saturday.

Lincoln Dangerman

Harry Anderson appears to be the one to keep an eye on for Lincoln tomorrow with the midfielder looking in fine form already this season.

The 22-year-old has grabbed two goals in his last two starts for the Imps, scoring a decisive second goal in a 2-0 win at Rotherham before scoring the winner in Lincoln’s 1-0 win at Huddersfield.

Anderson joined the club permanently in 2017 after a couple of loan spells and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the club, becoming an integral figure in their midfield.

Ref Watch

Andy Haines from Tyne & Wear will be the man in the middle at Sincil Bank tomorrow afternoon in what will be his third match of the season after refereeing at Macclesfield and Rochdale already this month.

Haines took charge of 38 matches last season, issuing 108 yellow cards and four reds, and he last took charge of Blues in the 2017/18 season when Southend drew 1-1 at Blackpool.

Tomorrow, Haines will be assisted by Simon Clayton and Richard Wigglesworth, while the fourth official will be Robert Atkin.

Away Fans Guide

It’s been eight years since Blues fans will have last ventured to Sincil Bank to watch their side against Lincoln and those travelling tomorrow will find themselves in the Stacey West Stand.

The stand is situated behind the goal to the left of the player’s tunnel and can typically hold up to 2,000, with “Sinny Bank” as it’s colloquially referred to having a capacity of just over 10,000.

Full text can be found here:-
https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2019/august/lincoln-city-big-preview/

The New Era

Kevin Bond license to Win!​

 

[The Big Dady]

Existing Player News


John White (32) experienced “Mr Southend” centre back and right back signs contract extension for The Shrimpers

New Player News


Brandon Goodship (24) Twice the Southern League Premier Golden Boot winner and striker scoring 38 and 39 goals the last two seasons at Weymouth, and was also called up for England C in 2019, signs for The Shrimpers


Mark Milligan (33) the much travelled defensive midfielder and current international captain of Australia who has played most of his playing carrier in Australia, as well as time in China, Japan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, but last season was at Hibernian, signs for The Shrimpers and becomes The Blues captain.

Nathan Ralph (26) the left back and winger who played for Ketting Town, Yeovil Town, Aldershot Town, Woking, and for Dundee last season, signs for The Shrimpers


Joe Shaughnessy (27) experienced central defender and right back that has played for Aberdeen, Forfar Athletic, Falkirk, and St. Johnstone last season and where he was also their captain, signs for The Shrimpers


Liam Ridgewell (35) the experienced and much travelled defender who has played for Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Portland Timbers, Wigan Athletic, Brighton & Hove Albion, and for Hull City last season, signs for The Shrimpers


Andre Blackman (28) who is a left back has played for AFC Wimbledon, Celtic, Inverness, Plymouth Argyle, Maidenhead, Blackpool, MAS Fez, Crawley Town, and Barnet, signs for The Shrimpers

New Loan Players


Layton Ndukwu (20) the exciting youngster signs on season long loan from Premiership club Leicester City


Ethan Hamilton (20) is a exciting young Scott signs on season long loan from his Premiership club Manchester United.

He obviously wants to know what it is like playing for a bigger sleeping giant and one of only seven clubs (only two English Football League Clubs) to have a 100% win record against his smaller parent club.

Clubs with 100% win record against Manchester United

Fleetwood Rovers 1886 FA Cup
Bootle Reserves 1890 FA Cup
Lazio 1999 UEFA Cup Winners Cup
Vasco da Gama 2000 Club World Championship
Southend United 2006/07 Carling Cup
Zeni St-Petersburg 2008 European Super Cup
MK Dons 2014 EFL Cup

Any excuse to replay our 100% win record achievement over Manchester United should not be missed.


Southend United 1-0 Manchester United Freddy Eastwood's Goal

Southend United v Manchester United Full Match

Southend United We even beat Manchester United 4-2 on Playstation

 

[Ricey]

Not a bad lineup shame we didn’t have Lennon or Kiernan.

Think we will get spanked.

Wonder if Hutch and Macca are playing as wingers?

 

[The Big Dady]

Lincoln City Team

 

[MisterStubbs]

Think that midfield will get over run.

Glad that Bishop is starting though.

 

[Ricey]

Bet Payne scores!

 

[Harry Bullocks]

That's either 4-4-2, or, 4-5-1 take your pick...

 

[Chrisb]

They played well on Tuesday and kept the shirt - can't argue with that.

 

[Boreham Blue]

Could be a big chance for Taylor if a CB picks up a knock.

 

[southendkid]

Interesting that Taylor is on the bench ahead of Ridgewell, is Ridgewell injured or does Bond just have no intention of playing him?

 

[kentblues]

Line up exactly as expected. 4231 I expect. Based on Stevenage if anything makes things a little more solid/steady at the back.
Fingers crossed we can get something out of the game.

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Ok here we go again,

Come on you Shrimpers

 

[Mr Browns Ghost]

Interesting that Taylor is on the bench ahead of Ridgewell, is Ridgewell injured or does Bond just have no intention of playing him?

I genuinely don't think we will see Ridgewell ever again.. just a hunch

 

[Paddington Blue]

Not sure why KB is so prickly with the local media - CP and Essex Radio are hardly hostile!

 

[Bearded Shrimper]

Interesting that Taylor is on the bench ahead of Ridgewell, is Ridgewell injured or does Bond just have no intention of playing him?

Is Taylor the bloke we signed from Burnley?

 

[southendkid]

Is Taylor the bloke we signed from Burnley?

Yeah

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Could be a big chance for Taylor if a CB picks up a knock.

Clearly I've missed a trick (or two), Taylor ?? Loanee, Youth Team ??..a little help please ..

 

[Harry Bullocks]

OK …..it's all about timing, but clearly I'm not on my own

 

[davewebbsbrain]

They played well on Tuesday and kept the shirt - can't argue with that.

Not sure Macca did