One of the all time great nights, the type that vindicates all those long journeys following the team.
Without doubt a top 10 Southend match of all time. It had everything: sprinklers coming on, goals disallowed, a penalty, a stone wall penalty not given, an epic come back and the good guys winning.
Not sure why people were so down about that first half. They hit us on the break but we were the better team. Maher got his tactics spot on by holding back Bonne and Kendall to go against tiring defences - they had tired badly at Roots Hall when Bonne had all sorts of joy down the right against weary defenders. Our second equaliser was a near carbon copy of our equaliser back in March.
I really need to go to bed but I’m still buzzing.
Last night's performance has the potential for being considered as the greatest performance of all time. I say this as if we eventually reach Wembley this was this game which set us up for what will possibly be one of the most consequential matches in the Club's history. If we do get that far and win then I suggest last night and our Wembley game will have to been as the two greatest of all time.
A big shout out to the supporting contingent who made the long trip. Alas I am weakling in comparison with you brave souls as the 02.45 kick off here saw me already fast asleep when the game started although I do have excuse; I am about to move house and can claim to be exhausted by domestic distractions. Perhaps it is just as well I did watch the game as I may not have survived the experience.
Was the low point of the season on January 10th when we lost 1-0 at Maidenhead or the more recent home 1-0 defeat to Solihull? Probably the Midenhead game although it seems amazing the sinking feeling we all felt following the Solihull loss was on April 12 which is now just less than five weeks ago.
In hindsight I would suggest the good ship began to turn around in late January when in the spate of a few days we secured the services of Goodliffe, Leon and Tom Hopper. Hopper and Leon scored the second and third while Goodliffe played a significant part in lhe third (scored by Kendall signed in December). Perhaps even the severest critics of our recruitment policy and methods might wish to give some credit to John Still and company?
Having seen the highlights I thought it highly likely the decisions of giving them a penalty and denying us one were the types of decision which routinely seems to go in favour of the home side. Had we been at home suspect the outcomes would have been reversed.
KM seems to have decided that against most sides LCP's box of tricks are most likely to be effective in the final half hour and that TH's stronger all round game makes him the preferred starter while Bonne's muscular determination can be relied on to test defences but has the potential to be lethal when faced with tired legs. After last night who is to say he is wrong?
Last night's result surely underlines the fact that while we might be a just competent side in the very competitive National League our fitness, self belief and physical and mental strength makes us a real force in the play off format.
Also heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the management team. The potracted uncertainty surrounding the future of the club severely impacted the pre season, and, once that was out the way, we unexpectedly lost two key players while also suffering a spate of injuries. I always saw these events as severe setbacks rather than 'excuses'. We were able to rebuild slowly in the first half of the season and then following our January signings it was generally upwards and onwards although we also had to endure the odd setback.
Believe it or not the 'Thanks Kev - but is a new manager needed?' thread was only closed on April the 27th (which is less than three weeks ago) having begun on November the 17th. In the meantime, following the events of last night, we are all euphoric and the dream continues. Yet it is just mind boggling that this time twelve months ago we were close to extinction.
Final thanks to COSU for having the balls and determination to see it through and make it happen last summer. Is there a better club to support than Southend? The short answer is no, especially after last night!
UTB!
