Just two weeks ago, Southend entertained top of the table Torquay United, and put on the best performance the Roots Hall faithful had seen in, what seemed like, years.
Unfortunately The Shrimpers were unable to replicate that display this weekend, and ended up crashing at home to Morecambe.
The match had been billed “The Battle of the Shrimps”, although “Battle of the Pretenders” would have been more apt. Southend pretended they knew how to defend, whilst Morecambe pretended they were an American football Team.
The officials had their hands full with this one. Tough tackles were the name of the game for The Shrimps, but they ultimately found their main asset would be Southend’s defence, who gifted Morecambe three of the easiest goals they’ll score all season.
Goals from Anthony Grant and Barry Corr reduced the defecit, but it would be a handful of wasted opportunities, and cracking saves that left The Shrimpers to rue their misfortune, as time and time again, the elusive third goal failed to materialise.
Special mention this week goes to Anthony Grant. The proverbial diamond in the rough, rightly claimed The ‘Player of the Month’ Award for August, and is well on his way to securing September’s accolade aswell. Four goals in four games accompanied by some sterling performances have seen the Ex-Chelsea player’s reputation go from strength to strength.
On the flipside, this would have definitely started to attract other team’s attention,
meaning Grant’s days left on The Essex Riviera, could be numbered.
In other news, the jury is still out on who gave the manager’s post-match interview. Was it Paul Sturrock, or the old boy from The Fast Show, who is always very, very drunk? Who knows!?
However, as much as the boss’ ramblings amused me, the most comedic moment of the day belongs to Matt Paterson. The youngster, who was watching on from the sideline, was grimacing at every miss, half chance and failed Southend attack, with dramatic overacting that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of ‘Hollyoaks’ . I like the enthusiasm, but it is comically over the top!!
Oh and for those who have been wondering, yes, Blair Sturrock is still imitating Rodney from Only Fools and Horses with that [FONT="]ever embarrassing[/FONT] ponytail.
Next up for Sturrock’s men are the, as yet, winless at home, Hereford. The Blues manager will have to pick his team’s morale up for this clash, as they will be in for a tough encounter. Prediction; 1-2
