Oldham Athletic v Southend United - rearranged for Tuesday 18 April, 7:45pm

[The Big Dady]

The Official Match Thread brought to you by ShrimperZone.com

So here we all are, our thirteenth away game in the Vanarama National League of the 2022/23 season. This is the Dream Team’s 33rd away game since they were appointed Mighty Shrimpers.

Our 13th away match is against Oldham Athletic



It is now time for ALL of us to get behind Kevin, Darren, Mark and the team whether you are at Boundary Park, listening on the radio, or listening on Blues TV.

The Dream Team’s Southend United Vanarama National League Away Team against Oldham Athletic

MATCH OFF - FROZEN PITCH

Boundary Park is ready for action at 15.00 hrs Saturday 21st January 2023. It looks like we will have sunny intervals with gentle breeze for the game,, with an expected temperature of 3°C, but feel like 0°C. Clap, stamp your feet, sing and cheer on the Shrimpers to keep warm.



The weather forecast for this afternoon’s at Boundary Park


Current National League away record after 12 away games

Won 4
Drawn 4
Lost 4
Goals scored 15
Goals conceded 12

League Positions Last Season

23rd (2021/22) League Two Oldham Athletic (Relegated)
13th (2021/22) Vanarama National League Southend United

League Positions Current Season

6th (2022/23) Vanarama National League Southend United
20th (2022/23) Vanarama National League Oldham Athletic

Recent League Positions Change

Previous Meetings

Oldham Athletic 0-0 Southend United (League Two 06/03/21 Att. CoVid)
Southend United 1-2 Oldham Athletic (League Two 27/10/20 Att. CoVid)
Oldham Athletic 0-3 Southend United (League One 24/04/18 Att. 3,362)
Southend United 2-0 Oldham Athletic (League One 02/12/17 Att. 5,608)
Southend United 3-0 Oldham Athletic (League One 01/04/17 Att. 7,617)

Head to Head record

Southend United Wins: 17
Draws: 12
Oldham Athletic Wins 13

Current Form

Southend United L L D L D W
Oldham Athletic L L W L D W

Current Form Table (Last 6 Games)



Come On You Blues!​

 

[The Big Dady]

Managers Pre-match Views​

Oldham Athletic

Oldham Athletic Manager David Unsworth did not do a interview before the visit of Southend United

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Oldham Athletic Manager David Unsworth​

Southend United

Kevin Maher speaks to Blues TV ahead of this afternoon’s game against Oldham Athletic

Kevin Maher during his interview on Blues TV​

Link to interview
Link

Kevin Maher speaks to Southend United OS looking ahead of this afternoon’s game against Oldham Athletic

Maher looking forward to return to Boundary Park​

Kevin Maher is looking forward to returning to one of his former clubs on Saturday as Blues hit the road for the 250-mile journey to Oldham Athletic.

Our Head Coach joined the Latics in 2008 after his time at Southend came to an end, and played 31 times for them in the 2008/09 as the north-west outfit finished 10th in League One.

He looks back on that year fondly. “I really enjoyed my time there. I loved living up there and there’s a lot of good people at the club. I still speak to quite a few people that I got to know there.”

Oldham are down in 20th in the table but are showing small signs of a revival, having won two of their last four league games. This is their first season outside of the Football League in well over 100 years.

On the Latics, Maher said: “To fall out of the EFL means there’s something quite wrong with a football club because you’ve got to be at the bottom of a league of 24.

“To get out of this league you’ve got to be the best because there’s only one automatic place. It tells you how competitive the league is – we’ve found that and had to adjust accordingly. They’re showing signs of doing that and credit to them for that.”

Maher is hopeful the game will be on, although the freezing temperatures have affected training this week. “The weather’s made it difficult to train on grass so we’ve been on 4G. We’ve prepared well and it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”

On Monday, Blues were drawn at home to York City in the fifth round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, and Maher gave his thoughts on that tie.

“I’m pleased it’s at home first and foremost. It’s good for the fans. It’ll be another tough one, as they should be at this stage of the competition. It’s something to look forward to in a few weeks and when it comes around we’ll make sure we’re ready for it.”

Since the turn of the year, the Shrimpers are unbeaten, drawing with Bromley and beating Solihull and Darlington and Maher hopes that his team have already had their worst run of the season, failing to win in the league for six weeks before the 3-0 win over the Moors.

“Everyone has bad periods throughout the season, it’s how quickly you can dig yourself out of that and get going again. It happens with injuries and suspensions and hopefully we’ve been through the worst of that. You’ve got to be on top of your game to win games in this league and that won’t change.”

He has selected the same team for each of the last three games, leaving out October Player of the Month Shaun Hobson after he was initially suspended for one game. Maher says the players who have been playing since haven’t given him the opportunity to drop them.

He explained: “Hobbo’s been one of our best players this season and one of our most consistent but he found himself out of the team through a suspension. The lads who have come in have done ever so well and deserve to keep the shirt.

“We have to monitor and watch players closely with the games coming up, who’s needed and whether there’s going to be a good time to chop or change one or two.”

Finally, the Head Coach was asked for his thoughts on Blues’ sextet of players out on loan after Oli Coker scored a superb goal for Aveley on Monday evening.

“Oli obviously scored the goal the other day and he does that in training an awful lot! He’s probably one of the most consistent in terms of that. I’m really pleased with him – he’s out playing football.

“We’ve got Jack Wood, Jon Benton and Tommy Davis all playing National League South. That’s testament to where we are now with the level that our youngsters are going to. We don’t carry as many bodies but the level is better.

“Louie Arrowsmith’s out playing as well which is good. For them to be playing men’s football is really important because it’s difficult when you come out of the youth team. They’re all doing ever so well.”

Tickets for the trip to Boundary Park are available here.

Link to interview
Link

Kevin Maher speaks to Chris Phillips at The Echo about team selection ahead of this afternoon’s game against Oldham Athletic

Assessing his options – Southend United boss Kevin Maher​

Southend United right wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss could be back in the Blues squad for Saturday’s clash at Oldham Athletic.

Scott-Morriss has not played since just before Christmas after suffering appendicitis.

But he is now back in training and will be in Kevin Maher’s thoughts for this weekend’s clash at Boundary Park.

“Gus was meant to play some minutes the other night at Braintree but obviously missed out on that when the game was called off,” said Maher.

“He’s trained well and he will be in consideration to be part of the squad.

“We will make a decision later on in the week.”

The Shrimpers will definitely be without goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi this weekend.

But the shot-stopper – who has not played since November due to a hamstring problem – is close to making a comeback while fellow custodian Steve Arnold is also making progress with the hip injury which has kept him out since August.

“Collin has joined in some training and has been doing some work with us and the team,” said Maher.

“That’s pleasing but he will need to get some minutes in terms of game time somewhere along the line.

“Arnie is still progressing.

“He hasn’t joined in training yet but he’s out there doing some work as well.

“We’re pleased with that and they’re both getting closer.”

But striker Chris Wreh – who missed Saturday’s win against Darlington with a knee injury – is not yet ready to return and neither is midfielder Dan Mooney.

“Chris hasn’t been out of the grass,” said Maher.

“He’s still with the physios.

“Moons has done a little bit of running but he’s not joined in any training.

“He’s a little bit off but hopefully next week he will be able to push on again.”

Mooney has been out of action with a knee problem since picking up the injury against Altrincham in early December.

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Big Preview

Oldham Athletic v Southend United
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Overview​

Southend United look to continue their unbeaten start to 2023 against Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

Blues make one of their longest away trips of the season, visiting a Latics side that are showing signs of a revival after a disappointing first half of the season.

Last time out Kevin Maher’s men made late pressure tell against Darlington with an added-time winner. They will now take on York City in the fifth round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, one of five consecutive home games.

Before then, it’s a double-header of away days, with Maidenhead United to come on Tuesday as Blues aim to give themselves some breathing room inside the play-off places.

The opposition

Oldham dropped out of the EFL for the first time last season, and like many others, have found it challenging to adapt to the rigours of the Vanarama National League.

Previous manager John Sheridan stepped down in mid-September and was replaced by former Everton defender David Unsworth.

They’re still at the bottom end of the division, but have dragged themselves out of the relegation zone with wins over Torquay United and Dorking Wanderers in recent weeks, and have at least one game in hand on all of the teams around them.

It’s an experienced Latics side, no more so than 41-year-old former Shrimper Peter Clarke, with Liam Hogan, Lois Maynard and Chris Porter also providing knowhow.

John Rooney was the National League Player of the Season with Barrow in 2019/20, and is also in the squad at Boundary Park, while in-form Mike Fondop signed a new deal this week, and Ellis Chapman had his loan deal from Cheltenham Town extended.

Previous meetings

Blues took on the Latics 38 times in the Football League, also playing in the FA Cup three times. This is their first league meeting outside of the top four tiers.

The first clash saw a 5-0 win for Southend in the 1951/52 FA Cup, that being followed up by a 6-1 victory in 1965. More recently, Blues won four in a row against Oldham between 2016 and 2018 with Nile Ranger on the scoresheet in two of those games.

The Greater Manchester club had the better of things in the 2020/21 League Two season, winning 2-1 at Roots Hall before a goalless draw in the north-west.

Overall, Blues have won 17 times, the Latics have won 13 times and there have been 11 draws.

From the boss

Asked about his season at Boundary Park, Maher said: “I really enjoyed my time there. I loved living up there and there’s a lot of good people at the club. I still speak to quite a few people that I got to know there” in Thursday’s pre-match press conference.

“To get out of this league you’ve got to be the best because there’s only one automatic place. It tells you how competitive the league is – we’ve found that and had to adjust accordingly. They’re showing signs of doing that and credit to them for that.

“Everyone has bad periods throughout the season, it’s how quickly you can dig yourself out of that and get going again. It happens with injuries and suspensions and hopefully we’ve been through the worst of that. You’ve got to be on top of your game to win games in this league and that won’t change.

“We have to monitor and watch players closely with the games coming up, who’s needed and whether there’s going to be a good time to chop or change one or two.”

Blues team news​

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Gus Scott-Morriss was set to get some minutes in the BBC Essex Senior Cup tie before the match at Braintree Town was postponed. He’s in contention for a return to the matchday squad.​

Collin Andeng Ndi is back in team training, while Steve Arnold continues to progress but is yet to join in training with the rest of the group.

Chris Wreh has tendonitis in his knees and hasn’t trained this week.

Dan Mooney has been out running and Maher is hopeful he will return to team training next week.

Ref watch​

Aaron Jackson is one of the more experienced National League referees, having taken charge of 53 games in the competition, as well as 42 matches in Premier League 2.

Last season, he took charge of three Blues fixtures, against Boreham Wood, Chesterfield and Torquay, but this is his first of the current campaign.

Jackson has shown 31 yellow cards and three red cards in the National League this season.

His assistants are Michael D’Aguilar and Daniel Robinson, and the fourth official is John Mulligan.

Tickets​

Tickets for away supporters are available online here, or at the turnstiles on the day.

Blues fans are allocated seats in the Chadderton Road End Lower at one end of the ground in front of Clayton Playing Fields.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adults: £18
Concessions (seniors, under-21s): £8
Under-18s: £5
Under-7s: Free

The adult price rises by £4 on matchday, and concession and under-18 prices rise by £2.

Elsewhere in the National League​

One of the 12 scheduled games has already been postponed amid the cold weather, Gateshead v Dorking Wanderers.

Of the matches currently set to place, the big one comes in BT Sport’s late kick-off as Chesterfield take on Notts County.

Third-placed Woking look to stay in that lofty position as they face fellow promotion contender Barnet, while Solihull Moors look to snap a four-game losing streak when they host Scunthorpe United.

Boreham Wood v Torquay United
Bromley v Aldershot Town
Eastleigh v York City
FC Halifax Town v Wealdstone
Maidenhead United v Dagenham & Redbridge
Maidstone United v Wrexham
Solihull Moors v Scunthorpe United
Woking v Barnet
Yeovil Town v Altrincham
Chesterfield v Notts County (Saturday 17:20)

How to follow​

Blues fans unable to attend Roots Hall will still be able to follow all the live action by subscribing to Blues TV where you’ll get live match commentary from the BBC Essex team from all first-team matches this season.

Blues TV costs £4.49 per month or a one-off cost of £45 for the season, with your subscription not only giving you match commentary, but also exclusive access to extended match highlights, full pre-match press conferences, interviews, features and more.

Another option is to follow live minute-by-minute updates on social media via the club’s official Twitter account by following @SUFCRootsHall, which will ensure you get all the latest news and more throughout the 2022/23 season.

This game is not available for streaming on National League TV.

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National League TV

Come On You Blues!​

 

[The Big Dady]

Oh well yet another game postponed late after the team and supporters have set off on the long journey up to Oldham, and all the hours spent preparing the Official Match Thread. (Posted up for info and give everyone something to read)

Why was it not called off yesterday like most other games? Why did your new frost proof covers not work?

Statement from Oldham Athletic:-

Today’s league match against Southend United has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The postponement was confirmed after the playing surface was assessed by the match referee at 9.30am this morning.

Despite the recent cold weather, the pitch had been in good condition throughout the week but certain areas are unfortunately frozen this morning after lower than expected overnight temperatures.

Details of the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.

 

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United's match at Oldham Athletic has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Read more on this story


Help with Echo links

 

[gpd]

"Despite the recent cold weather, the pitch had been in good condition throughout the week but certain areas are unfortunately frozen this morning after lower than expected overnight temperatures."

Makes no sense. Good condition throughout the week but overnight was lower than expected and it's frozen?

 

[brigg blue]

Looking at our fixtures it might be into March before this match can be played, if of course we can still play matches in March.

Something needs looking at in terms of fixtures, they should be between teams closer together in the height of winter with teams further apart playing each other early / late in the season to avoid these cancellations that are too late

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

Makes no sense. Good condition throughout the week but overnight was lower than expected and it's frozen?

It makes sense to me but it is still very disenchanting.

It would seem that the temperature overnight was lower than was forecasted (which is a synonym for prediction, guess or estimate) & that put the perverbial spanner in the works.

 

[Shrimper]

I think we'll see Tuesday off as well

 

[shrimperjon]

Gutted. On the Blues on Tour coach and got to Peterborough services to hear it’s called off. Surely a decision could have been made yesterday. Some Oldham fans also saying that the covers were taken off last night and if true is totally ridiculous. So now another Tuesday night away game to fit in.

 

[BoyWonder2]

We stayed up there last night I believe as well.

 

[Strykr]

Bugger.

 

[maninasuitcase]

Bugger, phoned the club yesterday afternoon and was on. Boundary Park is just an hour away from me!

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Oh well yet another game postponed late after the team and supporters have set off on the long journey up to Oldham, and all the hours spent preparing the Official Match Thread. (Posted up for info and give everyone something to read)

Why was it not called off yesterday like most other games? Why did your new frost proof covers not work?

Statement from Oldham Athletic:-

Today’s league match against Southend United has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The postponement was confirmed after the playing surface was assessed by the match referee at 9.30am this morning.

Despite the recent cold weather, the pitch had been in good condition throughout the week but certain areas are unfortunately frozen this morning after lower than expected overnight temperatures.

Details of the rearranged fixture will be confirmed in due course.

Didn’t Ron sack our groundsman for a similar “offence “ ?

 

[Murkey_Mouse]

Col Ewes 0-2 Gillingham
Bromley 1-1 Shots

 

[Murkey_Mouse]

Maidstone was 2-0 down to Wrexham, now it’s 2-2!!

 

[Barling Magna]

Bromley 2 Aldershot 2. So Bromley stay below us in the table on goal difference. Daggers drop out of the play offs.

 

[ColinMorrisWalksOnWater]

Wrexham won 3-2, injury time winner.

 

[Barling Magna]

Strangely Wrexham grab a winner in additional time. That rarely happens. Not.

 

[The Big Dady]

We are STILL 6th!

 

[ozzie]

Hate that..today 1978..five of us pressed into a MINI...and got to a pub on the corner of Crewe Alex ground,only to find out the game was off...and on the way back it broke down on the motorway...S&&T happens