Holy ****. I don't know where to start after that. This is not the time to get carried away - there is plenty of work still to do and it won't be plain-sailing. But that is the most impressed and entertained I've been by a Southend performance in some three-and-a-half years. A really expansive, intelligent, organised, intense and physical performance. Mightily impressive.
The most pleasing thing was the press. It was done as a unit, in packs and was intense for around 75 minutes. It pushed the team higher up the pitch and Yeovil didn't have an answer for it. I can't remember the last time I was genuinely able to say "the opposition couldn't live with us".
There is a game plan and a shape and full credit to Kev, Daz and Benno for the insane work they are doing on the training ground getting a tune out of these boys. For the first time in forever, our players look like they know exactly what is expected of them and look willing to do it. A long way to go yet, but a corner is most definitely being turned. I think we will definitely need some more options to come in, as after watching how intense and physical the performance was tonight, there is a concern for me that the rate of attrition will be high as the games start coming thicker and faster.
Arnold 7 - lost a point for the Yeovil goal at the end, which I think he could have done more to parry away or hold. Up until then, he was immense. Pulled off a ridiculous save in each half and commanded his area well.
JD 8 - excellent performance and leadership, driving the team forward. The lack of pace still gets laid bare on occasion and thought his crossing could have been better, but he was superb tonight. Nice to see him claim a goal!
Lopata 8 - swept up and won pretty much every ball, whether in the air or on the floor.
Hobson 7 - a very solid performance, nothing looked like getting by him.
Ralph 7 - didn't seem at the races first half alongside Clifford, but something clicked second half and they began working well together, with Ralph often passing to TC and then running beyond him to offer an option moving forward.
Clifford 8 - was a bit concerned about him first half as he just didn't seem up to speed, but again, somebody flicked a switch second half because he was superb after that. Got up and down the line superbly and put in some awesome crunching (and accurate) tackles over on the East side. Good to see him bag a goal, but would like to see better/more consistent crossing and dead ball delivery.
Atkinson 7 - thought he had a very good first half, seemed to be everywhere and showed some good tackling and passing ability. Hope it's not an extended period out as he is just coming into form.
Neal 9 MOM - that was like prime Kevin Maher reincarnated. Seemed to be absolutely everywhere and at the heart of everything we did attacking-wise. Moved the ball and switched play expertly. Shame to collect another booking, but I thought it was harsh. This boy is exactly what we needed in the middle though.
Dalby 7 - would like to see him carry more of a goalscoring threat and win more in the air for his height, but he is a really important component of the pressing game with his energy levels and this was really on display tonight. Holds the ball up well at his feet too.
Murphy 7 - another energetic performer and important cog in the press. Very unlucky to rattle the crossbar from a well-worked corner in the first half.
Dennis 8 - he is a completely different player under the guidance of the management team. Pace and energy in abundance. Absolutely vital as an outlet when we get the ball away after defending a corner/free-kick, and the speed with which he pressed the Yeovil defence scared the life out of them. Can sometimes be a bit leaden-footed with the ball at his feet in dangerous areas, but superb driving run with the ball into the Yeovil box to create Clifford's goal.
Subs:
Ferguson 6 - felt like we lost a bit of energy in the middle when he replaced Atkinson but he is strong and physical which kept things shored-up in there.
Rush 5 - didn't have an awful lot of time to do anything and still gets pushed off the ball a bit too easily for my liking.
Kensdale 5 - ditto with lack of time, but looks composed with ball at feet. Slotted into an interesting spot in front of the defence rather than in it. Will be interesting to see how his role takes shape going forward.
Onto Daggers and then three huge league games against King's Lynn, Aldershot and Dover before the end of January with confidence!