Whispering Bob
Striker
Stumbled across a picture of this match today ;
-
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Memory Lane 50 Years ago Today- 1971-72 Promotion Season - Wednesday 3 May 1972 - We finish as runners up! - Southend United 2 Gillingham 2
- Thread starter LBBlue
- Start date
Stumbled across a picture of this match today ;
LCBB72
Manager ⭐🦐
Never liked that W**KER McDougall after he stood in the goal after he had scored against Southend sticking his fingers up laughing at the Southend supporters .
No spoilers please.
sufc_statto
Newbie
Saturday February 12, 1972 - Division 4
Southend Utd (2) 3 (Johnson 27', Moore 33', Taylor 65')
Brentford (0) 1 (Ross 90' (pen})
Venue: Roots Hall KO: 3.00
Attendance: 9,662
Southend Utd: D Bellotti, R Ternent, A Smith, D Elliott, B Albeson, J Jacques, T Johnson, B Best, G Moore, D Barnett, B Lewis (P Taylor 63').
Brentford: G Phillips, P Bence, A Nelmes, P Gelson, T Scales, B Turner, M Allen, J Graham, K Wallace, B Ross, J Docherty.
Match Report
This magnificent United win at Roots Hall may not have lifted them any higher Division table, but It must have certainly restored the confidence of both players and supporters. Brentford haven’t won at Roots Hall for a very long time and they never looked like getting into the fight this time.
Blues made such a complete demolition job that the 9,662 spectators must still have high hopes that promotion could be attained. As fellow contenders, on this display it should have been pretenders, Brentford were never in the hunt, writes ALF SMIRK.
While this was first and foremost a team effort, the one Blues player who stood head and shoulders above everyone else was Gary Moore. The big fella has been struggling to find 100 per cent peak fitness ever since he was plagued with illness and injury which cut short his pre-season tour of Russia. He has been fighting for that extra half-yard of think-speed and act-speed for nearly six months.
On Saturday, he proved that not only has he found the missing half-yard but as much again to go with it.
After a long spell in midfield, he was delegated the responsibility of leading the Blues’ strikers in the absence of the suspended Bill Garner
Moore’s positioning, control, holding and distribution were, for me, the main contribution lo one of United’s best victories of the season. He might also quite easily have had a hat-trick, but the goal he did score came at just the right time.
Not fair behind Moore in performance came teenager Dave Barnett. A much-maligned figure from the terraces, Barnett knows his own limitations, so much so that they become a strength and not a weakness.
With Manager Arthur Rowley opting for a fluid 4-2-4 formation - Bernie Lewis was the over-lap until replaced by Spud Taylor after 63 minutes, when Billy Best took over the role - Barnett was outstanding in mid-field, especially during the first vital 45 minutes. He tired a little as the game progressed, but by then he had done a good job of work.
Skipper Joe Jacques was also back to his best form in the rear four, while goalkeeper Derek Bellotti, making his seasonal senior debut a fortnight after being signed from Charlton, inspired confidence although not called upon for a lot of action.
United were in command right from the start and it was no surprise when, after Lewis and Terry Johnson had both gone close, they took the lead in the 27th minute.
A “b@stard” corner, not short, not long but in between, from Lewis to Dave Elliott had the latter chipping the ball perfectly to the far post where Johnson ran in to head home.
It was no more surprising when Blues went further in front six minutes later. A Best header left Lewis clear and from his centre, Moore blasted his shot from 20 yards into the back of the net.
Brentford’s only real effort came in the 10 minutes immediately after the interval, but they were killed off when Blues went further in front after 65 minutes. Taylor had only been on the park two minutes and his first touch of the ball was the shot that brought the goal, after keeper Gordon Phillips had beaten out a shot from Moore.
Brian Albeson cleared a shot from John Docherty and Taylor shot wide from the right when well placed but it was still nearly all United as two Johnson crosses skidded across the goalmouth with nobody near enough to apply the finishing touch and a Moore volley hit the crossbar and skidded over.
Brentford grabbed their consolation goal in the last minute. Bellotti was left with no alternative but to pull down Docherty as he run on to a bad pass back and Bobby Ross slotted his kick well wide of the keeper.
Docherty was well wide on the by-line with the danger apparently over when the incident occurred, but it was probably one of the best decisions of Stonehouse referee, Mr. David Smith. Although Mr. Smith may be recognised as one of the top whistlers in the country, he is certainly one of the most fussy I have seen this season!
League Table
Southend Utd (2) 3 (Johnson 27', Moore 33', Taylor 65')
Brentford (0) 1 (Ross 90' (pen})
Venue: Roots Hall KO: 3.00
Attendance: 9,662
Southend Utd: D Bellotti, R Ternent, A Smith, D Elliott, B Albeson, J Jacques, T Johnson, B Best, G Moore, D Barnett, B Lewis (P Taylor 63').
Brentford: G Phillips, P Bence, A Nelmes, P Gelson, T Scales, B Turner, M Allen, J Graham, K Wallace, B Ross, J Docherty.
Match Report
This magnificent United win at Roots Hall may not have lifted them any higher Division table, but It must have certainly restored the confidence of both players and supporters. Brentford haven’t won at Roots Hall for a very long time and they never looked like getting into the fight this time.
Blues made such a complete demolition job that the 9,662 spectators must still have high hopes that promotion could be attained. As fellow contenders, on this display it should have been pretenders, Brentford were never in the hunt, writes ALF SMIRK.
While this was first and foremost a team effort, the one Blues player who stood head and shoulders above everyone else was Gary Moore. The big fella has been struggling to find 100 per cent peak fitness ever since he was plagued with illness and injury which cut short his pre-season tour of Russia. He has been fighting for that extra half-yard of think-speed and act-speed for nearly six months.
On Saturday, he proved that not only has he found the missing half-yard but as much again to go with it.
After a long spell in midfield, he was delegated the responsibility of leading the Blues’ strikers in the absence of the suspended Bill Garner
Moore’s positioning, control, holding and distribution were, for me, the main contribution lo one of United’s best victories of the season. He might also quite easily have had a hat-trick, but the goal he did score came at just the right time.
Not fair behind Moore in performance came teenager Dave Barnett. A much-maligned figure from the terraces, Barnett knows his own limitations, so much so that they become a strength and not a weakness.
With Manager Arthur Rowley opting for a fluid 4-2-4 formation - Bernie Lewis was the over-lap until replaced by Spud Taylor after 63 minutes, when Billy Best took over the role - Barnett was outstanding in mid-field, especially during the first vital 45 minutes. He tired a little as the game progressed, but by then he had done a good job of work.
Skipper Joe Jacques was also back to his best form in the rear four, while goalkeeper Derek Bellotti, making his seasonal senior debut a fortnight after being signed from Charlton, inspired confidence although not called upon for a lot of action.
United were in command right from the start and it was no surprise when, after Lewis and Terry Johnson had both gone close, they took the lead in the 27th minute.
A “b@stard” corner, not short, not long but in between, from Lewis to Dave Elliott had the latter chipping the ball perfectly to the far post where Johnson ran in to head home.
It was no more surprising when Blues went further in front six minutes later. A Best header left Lewis clear and from his centre, Moore blasted his shot from 20 yards into the back of the net.
Brentford’s only real effort came in the 10 minutes immediately after the interval, but they were killed off when Blues went further in front after 65 minutes. Taylor had only been on the park two minutes and his first touch of the ball was the shot that brought the goal, after keeper Gordon Phillips had beaten out a shot from Moore.
Brian Albeson cleared a shot from John Docherty and Taylor shot wide from the right when well placed but it was still nearly all United as two Johnson crosses skidded across the goalmouth with nobody near enough to apply the finishing touch and a Moore volley hit the crossbar and skidded over.
Brentford grabbed their consolation goal in the last minute. Bellotti was left with no alternative but to pull down Docherty as he run on to a bad pass back and Bobby Ross slotted his kick well wide of the keeper.
Docherty was well wide on the by-line with the danger apparently over when the incident occurred, but it was probably one of the best decisions of Stonehouse referee, Mr. David Smith. Although Mr. Smith may be recognised as one of the top whistlers in the country, he is certainly one of the most fussy I have seen this season!
League Table
RobM
55 years as a supporter!⭐
He was ruggish against the Glues!
LBBlue
Manager⭐
Saturday 12th February1972 - Southend United 3 Brentford 1
After the hammering Col U gave us two weeks earlier we needed a confidence booster to get back on track.
This was a rare Saturday fixture - Brentford were never keen on agreeing to switch to a Friday evening - they wanted to put their supporters first and more would travel on a Saturday than a Friday. With them in 2nd place on 36 points we had slipped to 6th 5 points behind but with 2 games in hand. A decent crowd for a Saturday of 9,658 attended with a good atmosphere.
The game was in hindsight about two players who didn't play because they were both suspended. Both leading goalscorers, Bill Garner 3 weeks for us and John O'Mara 5 weeks for them. O'Mara had already scored 20 goals for them and did they miss him. In the 5 games he missed they drew 2 and lost 3 in a run of only 1 win in 8 games. They replaced him with a young player on loan from West Ham- Ken Wallace. We fortunately had a ready made replacement Gary Moore who had been playing in midfield and relished the chance to play centre forward again.
Dave Barnett came in for us and played in midfield, Bernie Lewis played instead of Spud and Derek Bellotti replaced John Roberts in goal.
As the report says- we played them off the park.
A little snippet from the programme for the next match and some photos showing King Billy giving Gordon Phillips a torrid time. 50 years on maybe we might stop getting on players backs- it never helps.
We were right in the miners strike now and were due to be playing Gillingham at Roots Hall the following Monday 14th. All floodlit games were postponed to save electricity so Bill missed one fewer matches in his suspension. Anyway I finally passed my driving test on the Monday.
After the hammering Col U gave us two weeks earlier we needed a confidence booster to get back on track.
This was a rare Saturday fixture - Brentford were never keen on agreeing to switch to a Friday evening - they wanted to put their supporters first and more would travel on a Saturday than a Friday. With them in 2nd place on 36 points we had slipped to 6th 5 points behind but with 2 games in hand. A decent crowd for a Saturday of 9,658 attended with a good atmosphere.
The game was in hindsight about two players who didn't play because they were both suspended. Both leading goalscorers, Bill Garner 3 weeks for us and John O'Mara 5 weeks for them. O'Mara had already scored 20 goals for them and did they miss him. In the 5 games he missed they drew 2 and lost 3 in a run of only 1 win in 8 games. They replaced him with a young player on loan from West Ham- Ken Wallace. We fortunately had a ready made replacement Gary Moore who had been playing in midfield and relished the chance to play centre forward again.
Dave Barnett came in for us and played in midfield, Bernie Lewis played instead of Spud and Derek Bellotti replaced John Roberts in goal.
As the report says- we played them off the park.
A little snippet from the programme for the next match and some photos showing King Billy giving Gordon Phillips a torrid time. 50 years on maybe we might stop getting on players backs- it never helps.
We were right in the miners strike now and were due to be playing Gillingham at Roots Hall the following Monday 14th. All floodlit games were postponed to save electricity so Bill missed one fewer matches in his suspension. Anyway I finally passed my driving test on the Monday.
Last edited:
Billy Bests boot laces
President⭐⭐🦐
For a team in 2nd position, & not far to travel, their support that day was pathetic. Pre game we 'caught' about 20 of them using aerosol's on the high wall opp the ground, in between the main car park entrance & the 3-4 shops by the traffic lights.
They were instantly 'on their toes', & never saw any of them in the ground!.
LCBB72
Manager ⭐🦐
I remember the wall , they sprayed 'Brentford Boot Boys' and a little bit later some Southend came along and sprayed just behind it 'Are W***ers' .
Chairman Trigg
Coach
Not up to standard of the SUFC Pak and Ozzie graffiti which lasted for years after !!
sufc_statto
Newbie
Saturday February 19, 1972 - Division 4
Barrow (1) 2 (Garbett 4', Calvert 68')
Southend Utd (1) 1 (Johnson 14')
Venue: Holker Street, Barrow-in-Furness. KO: 3.00
Attendance: 2,068
Line-ups (with marks out of ten from the Sunday People)
Barrow: J Dean 8, B Patrick 6, D Storf 6 (sub B Knox 6), B Noble 6, M Russell 7, A Clarke 5, E Garbett 7, S Calvert 6, J Rowlands 5, J Irvine 5, M Hollis 6.
Southend Utd: D Bellotti 6, A Smith 5, R Ternent 6, D Elliott 6, B Albeson 6, J Jacques 6, T Johnson 6, B Best 8, G Moore 7, D Barnett 5, P Taylor 6. Sub: P Woods.
Match Report
Brentford would not have believed this, for the Southend team that delighted Roots Hail seven days earlier slumped to confused defeat in the Holker Street mud, writes Bob Daw.
Gone, for most of the match at least, were the skill, the fluency and the confidence that had swept Blues back into the hearts of their fans.
In their place were misplaced passes, disjointed moves and hesitant defence.
Barrow centre-forward John Rowlands was right when he described the match as “a wee bit scrappy”, but it needn’t have been.
After the drama of Garbett’s snapshot early goal and Johnson’s crashing volleyed equaliser, Blues settled down to cool, confident football. They took command and had the Barrow in a complete tizzy, thanks mainly to the work of Taylor, Johnson, Moore and Best.
Then came the break, followed by the breakdown as Southend went haywire.
Sure, Moore and Best were still running, but the supply of good passes had dried up as the skilful, driving Russell wrested midfield control from Elliott and Barnett.
And as their midfield men stepped up the work rate, so Barrow’s lacklustre forwards began to harry Albeson and his fellow defenders into uncharacteristic mistakes.
Back passes started to go astray, clearances became wilder and, despite tremendous fighting spirit, a look of panic came into Southend’s play.
Blues did pull to great saves out of ‘keeper Dean, a second string man, rnidway through the half and things looked up briefly, until Russell took a hand with one the nicest moves of the game.
He drew the defence on the edge of the box and chipped a beautiful pass over them to substitute Knox, racing in on the blind side. His shot beat Bellotti, but hit the bar and went over.
Minutes later, Hollis beat the defence with a crossfield ball for Calvert to run on to and score from a suspiciously offside position.
Southend looked in real trouble, then they came roaring back and Dean made two more great saves, again from Best and Albeson.
But it was an isolated attack. Blues had all the spirit in the world, but somehow they had lost the skills that must go with guts.
Barrow were no world beaters, as Blues showed in a final, desperate attack that ended with Moore flicking over the top from a Ternent-Johnson move.
It’s hard to say what went wrong with Blues, but they must get back to Brentford form if they are to keep up their promotion challenge And they must start picking up more points away from home.
League Table
Barrow (1) 2 (Garbett 4', Calvert 68')
Southend Utd (1) 1 (Johnson 14')
Venue: Holker Street, Barrow-in-Furness. KO: 3.00
Attendance: 2,068
Line-ups (with marks out of ten from the Sunday People)
Barrow: J Dean 8, B Patrick 6, D Storf 6 (sub B Knox 6), B Noble 6, M Russell 7, A Clarke 5, E Garbett 7, S Calvert 6, J Rowlands 5, J Irvine 5, M Hollis 6.
Southend Utd: D Bellotti 6, A Smith 5, R Ternent 6, D Elliott 6, B Albeson 6, J Jacques 6, T Johnson 6, B Best 8, G Moore 7, D Barnett 5, P Taylor 6. Sub: P Woods.
Match Report
Brentford would not have believed this, for the Southend team that delighted Roots Hail seven days earlier slumped to confused defeat in the Holker Street mud, writes Bob Daw.
Gone, for most of the match at least, were the skill, the fluency and the confidence that had swept Blues back into the hearts of their fans.
In their place were misplaced passes, disjointed moves and hesitant defence.
Barrow centre-forward John Rowlands was right when he described the match as “a wee bit scrappy”, but it needn’t have been.
After the drama of Garbett’s snapshot early goal and Johnson’s crashing volleyed equaliser, Blues settled down to cool, confident football. They took command and had the Barrow in a complete tizzy, thanks mainly to the work of Taylor, Johnson, Moore and Best.
Then came the break, followed by the breakdown as Southend went haywire.
Sure, Moore and Best were still running, but the supply of good passes had dried up as the skilful, driving Russell wrested midfield control from Elliott and Barnett.
And as their midfield men stepped up the work rate, so Barrow’s lacklustre forwards began to harry Albeson and his fellow defenders into uncharacteristic mistakes.
Back passes started to go astray, clearances became wilder and, despite tremendous fighting spirit, a look of panic came into Southend’s play.
Blues did pull to great saves out of ‘keeper Dean, a second string man, rnidway through the half and things looked up briefly, until Russell took a hand with one the nicest moves of the game.
He drew the defence on the edge of the box and chipped a beautiful pass over them to substitute Knox, racing in on the blind side. His shot beat Bellotti, but hit the bar and went over.
Minutes later, Hollis beat the defence with a crossfield ball for Calvert to run on to and score from a suspiciously offside position.
Southend looked in real trouble, then they came roaring back and Dean made two more great saves, again from Best and Albeson.
But it was an isolated attack. Blues had all the spirit in the world, but somehow they had lost the skills that must go with guts.
Barrow were no world beaters, as Blues showed in a final, desperate attack that ended with Moore flicking over the top from a Ternent-Johnson move.
It’s hard to say what went wrong with Blues, but they must get back to Brentford form if they are to keep up their promotion challenge And they must start picking up more points away from home.
League Table
LBBlue
Manager⭐
Saturday 19th February - Barrow 2 Southend United 1
Bill Garner was still suspended , Peter Taylor started instead of Bernie Lewis and 22 years old Peter Woods, signed from Luton in the week, was on the bench.
We did not do well on very long trips to the north west and slipped to defeat against 3rd from bottom Barrow. Seems that Alf Smirk did not fancy the trip and even though we didn't do well, the reporter made their keeper man of the match.
Mean while I was going round the dodgy second hand car dealers in Southampton with some mates and acquired a 9 year old Ford Anglia105E for the princely sum of £165.
This would make my travelling easier!
Next up - moved to Saturday - a home game against Workington who were only 1 point behind us having lost only 5 games and conceded 19 goals in 28 games. we really needed to go on a good run to claw our way back into the top 4.
.
Bill Garner was still suspended , Peter Taylor started instead of Bernie Lewis and 22 years old Peter Woods, signed from Luton in the week, was on the bench.
We did not do well on very long trips to the north west and slipped to defeat against 3rd from bottom Barrow. Seems that Alf Smirk did not fancy the trip and even though we didn't do well, the reporter made their keeper man of the match.
Mean while I was going round the dodgy second hand car dealers in Southampton with some mates and acquired a 9 year old Ford Anglia105E for the princely sum of £165.
This would make my travelling easier!
Next up - moved to Saturday - a home game against Workington who were only 1 point behind us having lost only 5 games and conceded 19 goals in 28 games. we really needed to go on a good run to claw our way back into the top 4.
.
ozzie
Manager
Remember the coach leaving Roots Hall at midnight(friday).When we got to the ground,one of the lads said"he was going to have a quick nap at the back of the coach".
He was woken up as we got back onto the coach after the game!!!Sadly i believe he passed away a few years ago,he was a good lad.
Also remember waiting outside the ground with a few other Blues fans when the groundsman came up to us and said"be careful.We have TWO fans who cause trouble here!!"..... I thought bloody hell...we have about five hundred at Roots Hall...happy days...RIP my mate..it was good knowing you.Including the pre season game v Dover(72-73)..hitched there,letting Dover know we were in town!!!!and bunking the trains back to "Sarfend"
He was woken up as we got back onto the coach after the game!!!Sadly i believe he passed away a few years ago,he was a good lad.
Also remember waiting outside the ground with a few other Blues fans when the groundsman came up to us and said"be careful.We have TWO fans who cause trouble here!!"..... I thought bloody hell...we have about five hundred at Roots Hall...happy days...RIP my mate..it was good knowing you.Including the pre season game v Dover(72-73)..hitched there,letting Dover know we were in town!!!!and bunking the trains back to "Sarfend"
Whispering Bob
Striker
A “b@stard” corner, not short, not long but in between, from Lewis to Dave Elliott had the latter chipping the ball perfectly to the far post where Johnson ran in to head home.
I do enjoy a b@stard corner! ?
I do enjoy a b@stard corner! ?
B.B.The Legend Lives On.
First XI⭐🦐
LBBlue
Manager⭐
Saturday 26 February 1972 Southend United 2 Workington 0
After 3 defeats in 4 games we really needed to win this one having slipped to 6th position. Workington were just 1 place and 1 point behind us. The game had to be moved from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon because of the “use of power” restrictions that had been imposed banning the use of floodlights.
With Bill Garner still suspended, new signing Peter Woods was brought in for Dave Barnett in midfield and Bernie Lewis came back in place of Peter Taylor on the left wing.
Workington had drawn 14 of their 28 games and had only lost 3 times away from home so were going to be a tough nut to crack.
50 years ago, referees covered all four divisions and the referee for this game was none other than Jack Taylor, who two years later was refereeing the World Cup final between West Germany and The Netherlands. It has been said that Jack Taylor was perhaps the finest English referee of all time.
Goals from Gary Moore and a superb chip from King Billy, I can see him now, saw us home.
Given their resources, Workington finished a creditable 6th conceding only 7 goals at home all season. After finishing in the bottom 2 of the division, 4 years running they didn’t get re- elected in 1977.
After 3 defeats in 4 games we really needed to win this one having slipped to 6th position. Workington were just 1 place and 1 point behind us. The game had to be moved from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon because of the “use of power” restrictions that had been imposed banning the use of floodlights.
With Bill Garner still suspended, new signing Peter Woods was brought in for Dave Barnett in midfield and Bernie Lewis came back in place of Peter Taylor on the left wing.
Workington had drawn 14 of their 28 games and had only lost 3 times away from home so were going to be a tough nut to crack.
50 years ago, referees covered all four divisions and the referee for this game was none other than Jack Taylor, who two years later was refereeing the World Cup final between West Germany and The Netherlands. It has been said that Jack Taylor was perhaps the finest English referee of all time.
Goals from Gary Moore and a superb chip from King Billy, I can see him now, saw us home.
Given their resources, Workington finished a creditable 6th conceding only 7 goals at home all season. After finishing in the bottom 2 of the division, 4 years running they didn’t get re- elected in 1977.
sufc_statto
Newbie
Saturday February 26, 1972 - Division 4
Southend Utd (0) 2 (Moore 60', Best 77')
Workington (0) 0
Venue: Roots Hall KO: 3.00
Attendance: 7,537
Referee: Jack Taylor (Wolverhampton)
Line-ups (with marks out of ten from the Sunday People)
Southend Utd: D Bellotti 7, R Ternent 6, A Smith 5, D Elliott 7, B Albeson 7, J Jacques 6, T Johnson 7, B Best 7, G Moore 8, P Woods 7, B Lewis 7. Sub: P Taylor.
Workington: M Rogan 8, J Wilson 6, J Ogilvie 6, A Tyrer 6, T Geidmintis 7, B Wood 6, D Helliwell 6, T Spratt 6, W Nicholls 7 (sub. R Walker 6), J Goodfellow 7, J Martin 6.
Match Report
Most of the 7,537 spectators at Roots Hall on Saturday afternoon appeared unimpressed with United’s victory, despite the fact that It kept Blues In the promotion race and opened up a three-point gap between themselves and Workington in the Fourth Division table.
Workington’s league record of three wins and seven draws away from home this season was not hard to fathom. With eight defenders and only two foragers up front, their policy was obviously “what we have we hold”, but if the home side want to get anything out of it then they have to work for it, writes ALF SMIRK.
And work United did! With Dave Elliott and Luton’s on-loan Peter Woods picking up most of the loose stuff in midfield, Blues chiselled out their attacks along the flanks and created more opportunities in the box than most teams would against such a packed defence.
Woods made an impressive start on his debut in new company, went out of the picture for a spell In the middle of the game, but was back there fighting at the finish. His main attribute seems that he likes to be in the game and not just watching.
Gary Moore, revelling in his new take-over bid up front during Bill Garner’s suspension, again showed plenty of power and ability. He took a bit of a pasting early on as visiting cenre-half Tony Geidmintis was none too gentle when he fought for possession.
But Moore had the last laugh as he took charge and came off best in most of their confrontations in the second half. His goal which gave United a 59th-minute lead was a picture. Bernie Lewis pinpointed a left-wing centre to the far corner of the angle of the six-yard line and Moore, tearing in, thumped it with his head to rocket the ball into the top of the net.
If United had any problems it was at the back. Although facing only two attackers for most of the 90 minutes, Joe Jacques and Co. got themselves into more trouble than for some time. If Workington had thrown just one more man forward in the earlier stages there might have been a different story.
As it was, the back four somehow weathered the stormy patches and, much to their credit under the circumstances, managed to keep a clean sheet.
In fact, despite United’s hesitancy at the back, Workington managed to carve out only two real chances. From the first, Tommy Spratt shot wide and from the second, after Blues’ defence had put themselves in real trouble, Derek Bellotti brought off a wonder save from Jimmy Goodfellow’s short-range effort.
While United did most of the attacking, it was a defensive stalemate into the middle of the first half, up to which time, both goal-keepers had been mainly Interested spectators. Then Lewis shot high over when left clear by a Terry Johnson fast cross, Billy Best headed too high when Elliott chipped a perfect free-kick into the box and Moore headed past from a Johnson corner.
Then came the two Workington chances before Elliot hooked in from a Woods centre only for goalkeeper, Mike Rogan to turn the ball magnificently over the bar.
Moore’s goal gave United the inspiration they needed and the same player went close another couple of limes before Workington brought on Ron Walker for Wayne Nicholls.
They also pushed an extra man up front, hoping to at least get back on terms, and only minutes after coming on, Walker shot wide when left a clear run through the middle.
United had the game well sewn up when they went further ahead after 76 minutes. A bad Johnson corner was not cleared properly and the ball went to Best on the edge of the box. Through a packed goalmouth and with Rogan out after missing his attempted punch clear, Best’s lob was just touched by the keeper falling backwards and rolled into the net.
If not impressive, this was certainly a competent United display. The Workingtons are among the hard boys in this division and give absolutely nothing away. United showed they could be equally as tough and could do with a bit more of this approach against some of the other learns.
There were times when one or two incidents crept in but international referee, Jack Taylor, from Wolverhampton, showed that diplomacy can play as big a part in restoring law and order as a wagging finger and a note-book.
League Table
Southend Utd (0) 2 (Moore 60', Best 77')
Workington (0) 0
Venue: Roots Hall KO: 3.00
Attendance: 7,537
Referee: Jack Taylor (Wolverhampton)
Line-ups (with marks out of ten from the Sunday People)
Southend Utd: D Bellotti 7, R Ternent 6, A Smith 5, D Elliott 7, B Albeson 7, J Jacques 6, T Johnson 7, B Best 7, G Moore 8, P Woods 7, B Lewis 7. Sub: P Taylor.
Workington: M Rogan 8, J Wilson 6, J Ogilvie 6, A Tyrer 6, T Geidmintis 7, B Wood 6, D Helliwell 6, T Spratt 6, W Nicholls 7 (sub. R Walker 6), J Goodfellow 7, J Martin 6.
Match Report
Most of the 7,537 spectators at Roots Hall on Saturday afternoon appeared unimpressed with United’s victory, despite the fact that It kept Blues In the promotion race and opened up a three-point gap between themselves and Workington in the Fourth Division table.
Workington’s league record of three wins and seven draws away from home this season was not hard to fathom. With eight defenders and only two foragers up front, their policy was obviously “what we have we hold”, but if the home side want to get anything out of it then they have to work for it, writes ALF SMIRK.
And work United did! With Dave Elliott and Luton’s on-loan Peter Woods picking up most of the loose stuff in midfield, Blues chiselled out their attacks along the flanks and created more opportunities in the box than most teams would against such a packed defence.
Woods made an impressive start on his debut in new company, went out of the picture for a spell In the middle of the game, but was back there fighting at the finish. His main attribute seems that he likes to be in the game and not just watching.
Gary Moore, revelling in his new take-over bid up front during Bill Garner’s suspension, again showed plenty of power and ability. He took a bit of a pasting early on as visiting cenre-half Tony Geidmintis was none too gentle when he fought for possession.
But Moore had the last laugh as he took charge and came off best in most of their confrontations in the second half. His goal which gave United a 59th-minute lead was a picture. Bernie Lewis pinpointed a left-wing centre to the far corner of the angle of the six-yard line and Moore, tearing in, thumped it with his head to rocket the ball into the top of the net.
If United had any problems it was at the back. Although facing only two attackers for most of the 90 minutes, Joe Jacques and Co. got themselves into more trouble than for some time. If Workington had thrown just one more man forward in the earlier stages there might have been a different story.
As it was, the back four somehow weathered the stormy patches and, much to their credit under the circumstances, managed to keep a clean sheet.
In fact, despite United’s hesitancy at the back, Workington managed to carve out only two real chances. From the first, Tommy Spratt shot wide and from the second, after Blues’ defence had put themselves in real trouble, Derek Bellotti brought off a wonder save from Jimmy Goodfellow’s short-range effort.
While United did most of the attacking, it was a defensive stalemate into the middle of the first half, up to which time, both goal-keepers had been mainly Interested spectators. Then Lewis shot high over when left clear by a Terry Johnson fast cross, Billy Best headed too high when Elliott chipped a perfect free-kick into the box and Moore headed past from a Johnson corner.
Then came the two Workington chances before Elliot hooked in from a Woods centre only for goalkeeper, Mike Rogan to turn the ball magnificently over the bar.
Moore’s goal gave United the inspiration they needed and the same player went close another couple of limes before Workington brought on Ron Walker for Wayne Nicholls.
They also pushed an extra man up front, hoping to at least get back on terms, and only minutes after coming on, Walker shot wide when left a clear run through the middle.
United had the game well sewn up when they went further ahead after 76 minutes. A bad Johnson corner was not cleared properly and the ball went to Best on the edge of the box. Through a packed goalmouth and with Rogan out after missing his attempted punch clear, Best’s lob was just touched by the keeper falling backwards and rolled into the net.
If not impressive, this was certainly a competent United display. The Workingtons are among the hard boys in this division and give absolutely nothing away. United showed they could be equally as tough and could do with a bit more of this approach against some of the other learns.
There were times when one or two incidents crept in but international referee, Jack Taylor, from Wolverhampton, showed that diplomacy can play as big a part in restoring law and order as a wagging finger and a note-book.
League Table
sufc_statto
Newbie
Saturday March 04, 1972 - Division 4
Exeter City (0) 0
Southend Utd (0) 0
Venue: St James' Park, Exeter. KO: 3.00
Attendance: 3,336
Line-ups (with marks out of ten from the Sunday People)
Exeter City: B Wilson 7, C Crawford 7, S Stacey 6, G Parker 7 , Jimmy Giles 7, M Balson 7, B Rowan 7, T Morrin 8, F Binney 7, J Wingate 6 (sub. John Giles 46', 6), D Gibson 6.
Southend Utd: D Bellotti 7, R Ternent 7, A Smith 6, D Elliott 5 (sub. P Taylor 10', 7), B Albeson 6, J Jacques 7, B Best 6, G Moore 7, B Garner 7, P Woods 6, T Johnson 8.
Match Report
The fact that all his players were still breathing and another precious promotion point was safely tucked away must have given United boss, Arthur Rowley, plenty of satisfaction as the final whistle went at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
It had been 90 minutes of sheer hard slog on a brute of a pitch which was better suited to water polo. In fact, after early morning snow and sleet followed by torrential rain, Swansea referee, Bill Gow, only agreed an hour before the scheduled start that the match could go on. He had also taken the precaution of travelling early and had made an inspection as soon as he arrived, writes Alf Smirk.
It was remarkable that any football could he played at all, but both sides mastered the conditions enough to provide at least a modicum of entertainment for the 3,336 spectators.
Exeter, in fact, looked likely winners, but only for the opening 20 minutes. United were out-gunned in mid-field, where Dave Elliott was limping in the early stages and went off with a pulled muscle after 10 minutes and was replaced by Spud Taylor.
United’s one goal-worthy effort in the first half was a shot from Terry Johnson which home ‘keeper Bob Wilson dropped on at the foot of the post.
Blues’ seemed to have settled for a point after the interval when Gary Moore operated more from mid-field. In the first half, he and the returned Bill Garner were often lone rangers with only occasional help coming from behind.
Exeter had lost John Wingate at half-time with ligament trouble and John Giles took over. And City was reduced to 10 men right on the hour when Giles was stretchered off and taken to hospital with a leg injury.
As Giles and Brian Albeson ran back after a through-ball, Bellotti moved quickly out and the three went down just outside the penalty area. Bellotti and Albeson were able to continue after treatment.
The conditions were responsible for several mistakes on both sides, but after that shaky first 20 minutes, United rarely looked likely to sacrifice both points.
League Table
Exeter City (0) 0
Southend Utd (0) 0
Venue: St James' Park, Exeter. KO: 3.00
Attendance: 3,336
Line-ups (with marks out of ten from the Sunday People)
Exeter City: B Wilson 7, C Crawford 7, S Stacey 6, G Parker 7 , Jimmy Giles 7, M Balson 7, B Rowan 7, T Morrin 8, F Binney 7, J Wingate 6 (sub. John Giles 46', 6), D Gibson 6.
Southend Utd: D Bellotti 7, R Ternent 7, A Smith 6, D Elliott 5 (sub. P Taylor 10', 7), B Albeson 6, J Jacques 7, B Best 6, G Moore 7, B Garner 7, P Woods 6, T Johnson 8.
Match Report
The fact that all his players were still breathing and another precious promotion point was safely tucked away must have given United boss, Arthur Rowley, plenty of satisfaction as the final whistle went at St. James’ Park on Saturday.
It had been 90 minutes of sheer hard slog on a brute of a pitch which was better suited to water polo. In fact, after early morning snow and sleet followed by torrential rain, Swansea referee, Bill Gow, only agreed an hour before the scheduled start that the match could go on. He had also taken the precaution of travelling early and had made an inspection as soon as he arrived, writes Alf Smirk.
It was remarkable that any football could he played at all, but both sides mastered the conditions enough to provide at least a modicum of entertainment for the 3,336 spectators.
Exeter, in fact, looked likely winners, but only for the opening 20 minutes. United were out-gunned in mid-field, where Dave Elliott was limping in the early stages and went off with a pulled muscle after 10 minutes and was replaced by Spud Taylor.
United’s one goal-worthy effort in the first half was a shot from Terry Johnson which home ‘keeper Bob Wilson dropped on at the foot of the post.
Blues’ seemed to have settled for a point after the interval when Gary Moore operated more from mid-field. In the first half, he and the returned Bill Garner were often lone rangers with only occasional help coming from behind.
Exeter had lost John Wingate at half-time with ligament trouble and John Giles took over. And City was reduced to 10 men right on the hour when Giles was stretchered off and taken to hospital with a leg injury.
As Giles and Brian Albeson ran back after a through-ball, Bellotti moved quickly out and the three went down just outside the penalty area. Bellotti and Albeson were able to continue after treatment.
The conditions were responsible for several mistakes on both sides, but after that shaky first 20 minutes, United rarely looked likely to sacrifice both points.
League Table
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