Post-Match Thread and Ratings Blues (Purples) 3 - 0 Warsaw

[Jai]

Absolutely superb display tonight. Yes, it helped that they went a man down at 1-0, but we played it perfectly. We went wider, used the space and passed the ball to feet - and it showed how good we can be when we do it.

I've been as critical as anyone this year but for me that was the season highlight so far. Really impressive.

 

[Tilson_Blues]

mildy had nothing to do

francis 8 brilliant some of his crosses were beckhamesque

herd 7 good throws weak defensivly better than malone though

sankofs 7 did everything he needed to might struggle v a big striker though
baldwin 9 i love this guy when there were quiet spells you could always here him organising and helped sankofa alot might be the trouble with him and barret to captin playeres


mouse 10 couldnt do any better imo
scannell 8 very good again i hope hes ok wernt as good when he came off
macca 8 i pray we keep him in summer
grant 9 excellent rant the midfield havent lost since hes been back coincidence i think not
spencer 8 i thought he was brilliant raw talent needs to work on decisions i agree but games will help
vernon 6 even he was better than normal id keep him in good foil for spencer but i prefer pattersson and spencer would be good


o'keefe 6 did ok
craword 7 only had 10 mins i was very impresed


ref 10 can we have him every week please?

 

[Shrimper93]

Moussa 9.5 - MOM. At long last, Moose has pulled a blinding performance out of the hat and showed us all what he is capable of. 2 fabulous goals, good passing, intelligent runs and good linking with the rest of the team. Marked down for not getting a hat-trick...!!



:DBest rating of the night marked down 1/2 a point fot not getting a hatrick.

completely agree with many on here that Mooooooose and Grant were mom obviously the goals swung it.

Macca had a great game, please someone tell him not to shoot.

Herd brilliant, felt that he coped well defensively got caught a couple of times but boy what a throw.

Francis was superb (he really needs a chant)

Baldwin sign him up please (even in the warm up tonight he was encouraging others especially herd)

Sankofa best I've seen him play.

Scannell what a transformation, earlier this season still looked like he wasn't gonna make it at this level but he has come on leap and bounds, looks a bit leaner to.

Spencer he looks hungry and rightly so he is playing for his future next season, blinding pace and never let there back four take a break, goal taken well.

Vernon he played ok moans far too much at other players when it doesn't come of for him, 2nd half played much better.

Mildy not alot to do.

O'Keefe thought he did very well when he came on.

Crawford looked lively and ran at there defence should of scored but touch let him down putting that down to debut nerves, defo one for the future.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Grant for JCR - you would be forgiven for thinking that this was a like for like swap, but Grant should be playing at least 2 divisions higher than JCR. His work rate is fantastic - he wins the ball so often in midfield and he keeps it or wins a free kick. He is capable of driving forward with the ball - one run in particular tonight was pure class.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce?


Anyway, my ratings

Mildenhall 8 - didn't have a save to make but captained well and his distribution was fantastic. He was a key factor in us exploiting the extra man through his quick, decisive balls out to the full-backs or wingers. Francis 8 - his delivery from out wide was sensational and he fully capitalised on the extra space afforded from the sending off
Herd 6 - still looks defensively shaky but his willingness to push forward opened up more room for Moussa to drift slightly inside
Baldwin 7 - solid display
Sankofa 7 - Tilly will have to think twice before recalling Barrett
Grant 9 - fantastic display of defensive positioning, tackling and drive combined with no shortage of skill. His return from injury couldn't have come at a more important time.
Delilah 6 - the commitment which has often been lacking this year was for once there, but his passing remains atrocious. Strangely refused to celebrate the second and third goals with his team-mates (possibly the first as well, but didn't notice that).
Scannell 7 - a quieter game than of late, but his energy before he limped off, is a key part of our game.
Moussa 8.5 - a real threat could have (and maybe should have) had a hat full. The technique he demonstrated for his first goal has me struggling for superlatives. There are very few I've seen in a Southend shirt who could have scored that goal. Set up the second and scored the third with a fantastically deft finish.
Vernon 8 - whilst Spencer will probably take the plaudits, the intelligent link-up play of Vernon was even more impressive. Don't fancy him to score a 1 on 1, mind.
Spencer 7 - adds a lot more energy to our team than Paterson and took his goal well, although he missed one or two other chances and wore some shocking yellow boots.

Subs O'Keefe 6 - barely touched it
Crawford 5 - didn't get long, but sadly fluffed a great chance with a wretched first touch


Overall I'm delighted with what is our best performance for months. From the start we looked up for it (when was the last time we could say that?). We closed down and pressed in a manner I can't recall since the financial **** hit the fan and we moved the ball around well with the Grant-Moussa axis in midfield at the heart of everything good. After the sending off we ran away with it and ruthlessly exploited the space, even if we weren't so ruthless with our finishing. The centre-back partnership - although hardly tested - even looked as if they knew what they were doing with an assured performance. I've been resigned to relegation, but if we can play like this it's game on.

The best thing of all, is that it gives us something to build on - whether in division 3 or 4 - in the shape of Grant and Moussa. With Grant back, for the first time in ages, I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[watchtheballboys]

Shocking...well done!!!

Had almost forgotten what it feels like to have Southend win a game. The spring in the step moment after the game and to hear people speaking positively as I walked through the car park a memory of times gone by.......

In fairness Walsall are and will be at the end of the season in mid table, away games are not that important as winning the home games as this will be enough for them to stay where they are and keep their fans happy. I don't think the sending off made any real difference and once we scored they never looked like getting back into the game nor did they have the stomach for a fight.

Having said this it was so encouraging to see the boys play well, some good passing and competent displays all round with just three exceptions....Vernon, Macca and the Mousse!

Vernon was once again very disappointing and never looked like scoring while the Mousse was the Mousse of last season, playing with confidence and scoring two very good goals as well as being unlucky with two or three other chances. Great to see the Mousse play so well, I have been very unimpressed by him this season but there was improvement on Saturday in the first half and throughout the game today.

Macca is a worry, seems to have lost it a bit this season although there were some good moments tonight he is way off his best.

Mildy did not have much to do
Francis was, like Saturday on the 75% mark for effective crosses and attacked well.
Baldwin looked comfortable at the back and it will be great if he stays next year
Sankofa had a good and quietly effective game
Herd had some good moments, just a couple of wayward passes, great throw-ins
Scannell looked good and seems to improve with each game, it will be a shame if tonight's injury is long term...
Macca not great, had to be a little more defensive tonight but did the job well enough
Grant did well and won some wonderful freekicks with what was an impressive diving display, got stuck in, plenty of fight!
Mousse the MOM without doubt and two very good goals, welcome back!
Vernon did not look the part tonight and struggled to make his mark, has not looked like scoring in the last three games......
Spencer looked good and challenged for everything topped with a good goal. With the effort he puts in goals will come if given a starting jersey.
O'Keefe looked comfortable on the ball and played some very sensible and easy passes accurately, not flashy and did a good job when he came on
Crawford looked very good, challenged well and ran the ball down. One good chance just ran away from him but quite impressive.

The Bristol game will probably see the return of Barrett, possibly for Sankofa which may be a tad unfair. We have Jeff to come back to the subs bench and not sure how far off Laurent is but he should join Jeff on the bench not go straight back into the team.

I did mention this in another thread that I would like to see Paterson and Spencer play in all games both reserve and first team till the end of the season so they can build confidence and an understanding of how each other plays. Paterson with confidence is probably better than the level Vernon is at the moment.

Great to see Tilly use the kidz when we were in control of the game, well done for that.

Ron has said he will offer Tilly a new contract next season, I was not convinced that was going to happen and thought Webby with Barrett as player assistant may be in Ron's mind.....it may still happen but I am intrigued as to whom the mystery future assistant will be.

A very long way to go to get out of the mess we are in and I fear this may be a little too late to save us.....I hope not.....

Come on you Blues.....or Purples as was the case tonight!

 

[OldBlueLady]

Everyone played well, the whole lot of them. We shouldn't get too carried away though, Walsall were one of the least effective teams I've seen us play this season and we were, for once, completely uninhibited by inept officials.

Mistakes? Yes, there were some, Herd, Franno, Baldwin, Macca, Grant - all were guilty of some dodgy passes but not once did they actually cost us anything. Surprised at people saying Grant ran the midfield, Macca was the one orchestrating everything and I think if you look at the goals (2nd and 3rd ones) his was the pass to the person who'll get credited with the assist. He was the captain on the pitch, even though Mildy wore the band. That's not to criticise Grant though, I thought the whole midfield was excellent.

Mildy - 7, two saves to make all night and not sure he made either of them
Franno - 7, good, solid performance and some nice crossing
Sankofa - 8, looked more than comfortable and gelled well with Baldwin
Baldwin - 8, almost set Vernon up with a near perfect pass and went on a steaming run himself. Keep saying it, would love him to stay
Herd - 7, alleluia!!! A goal from a Johnny throw! Did get caught out a few times in much the same way Malone does
Scannell - 8, tireless again and a threat the whole time, looked like an Achilles problem and he's not missed much through injury recently so hope it's easily solved
Macca - 8, bossed things and was getting forward well, twice missed out by inches on decent crosses in front of goal
Grant - 8, good game for Granty, though not quite as good as he was his first game back
Moussa - 8.5, and that's for the goals and the extra volley that would have been easily prem class if it had gone in. This is the Moussa you all go on about and one that's been sadly missing for the vast majority of the season
Vernon - 7.5, looked a different player alongside Spencer, still needs to start scoring
Spencer - 8.5, SCREEEEEECCCCCH!!!! Love him! Never stopped running, looked as if he was frightening the life out of the defence and by God does he have some pace!

Subs: Made at a sensible time, but more out of necessity, O'Keefe for Scannell, 7.5, quite happy with his contribution, looked more than comfortable and was being a pest when Walsall were clearly all in
Crawford for Spencer, 7, same really

Ref: 8, one of the best we've seen, no fuss, no being the main focus and gave a straight red on something that looked to me like a yellow

TBV: 10, awesome noise chaps, well done to everyone :clap:

Can we play in purple every week?????

 

[ibwiajwa]

I agree with all of those who gave Grant as MOM. It is no coincidence that we went into freefall when he was injured. He was absolutely terrific.
Herd and Spencer made a big difference to the side. Herd is much more like the modern attacking left back than Malone and the team were well organised to cover for him when he went forward. Walsall (like Carlisle on Saturday) practically wet themselves every time he went for the long throw in. He showed a lovely touch throughout the game and a good understanding with Moussa.
Laurent will really struggle to get back into the side when he is fit if Scannell is OK as Scannell looked the business once again - he is difficult to dislodge from the ball and runs with it at pace striking fear into defenders.
Say it quietly - Barrett was not missed. OK, we played much of the game against ten men but Walsall beat Colchester with the same number of players. I was biting my nails waiting to see when our current trademark of at least two defensive howlers per game would occur. And it dawned on me, as none occurred, that so many of them have been down to Barrett flapping at balls, over-committing himself and making poor judgement calls. I love the guy but we looked a much more composed side last night.

 

[yogi bear up the cagire]

Purple Shirts - 9 Apart from mentioning them in terms of coinciding with our first win
for ages, there hasn't been much comment. I have to say I liked them
but don't suppose we'll see them again. Would imagine that they are too
close to our Blue to use them as our second strip?

 

[Wickford_Shrimp]

Mildy 7.0 (Good talking at the back, nothing to do)
Francis 7.5 (Good going forward, and so assured on the ball)
Sankofa 7 (Steady and the majority of his battles)
Baldwin 7 (Won everything in the air. Shame he can't pass, or feels he has to go long)
Herd 7 (Good runs, which meant Moussa had more time and space to pick a pass/cross)
Scannell 7.5 (Looked lively and always wanted the ball)
Grant 8.5 (Got stuck in, and was somewhat a play maker?)
Macca 7 (Won the majority of his tackles
Moussa 8.5 (This boy is class! No doubt big teams are after him)
Vernon 6 (Should of scored in the second half, but in fairness to him, he does do a lot of the donkey work? Drew-esq?)
Spencer 7.0 (Another promising game, and bagged himself a goal. I personally hope we keep him for next season)

:cool: UP THE BLUES / PURPLES :cool:

 

[canveyshrimper]

In short Walsall were woeful, and most of their players seemed to be dreaming of their summer holidays. I am glad the Blues (Purples?) got back into winning but being realistic we won't have an easier game than that, hopefully it's restored some self belief and we can pick up a point or 3 at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

Lots of positives, Spencer & Vernon may have the makings of a good partnership, although Vernon couldn't hit a cows arse with a banjo at the moment. A good performance from the midfield 4 and the passing and general movement was spot on. Can't fault the defence but Walsall weren't really a threat to them. Here's hoping that we can move from a long losing run to a long unbeaten run. We are after all now 3 games undefeated.

 

[Wickford_Shrimp]

Forgot to add:

Half Time Gymnast's - 8 (That was some very entertaining stuff! Watching some random people attempt backflips etc and land on their faces was pure genius from the club)

 

[united we stand]

Just a couple of things not mentioned so far

• Sankofa had a great header that hit the bar
• No one got booked !
• No one mouthed off at the ref, team mates or at the opposition or retaliated to a foul (see above)
• At one point in the second half we had 5, yes 5 in the penalty area on an attack

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

It was one of those rare days when everything was right: even the pies were a decent temperature. Had I risked a burger, I'd have probably even been offered onions.

 

[mountiay]

Mildy - 6, Didn't do anything, therefore didn't do anything wrong.
Francis - 7, Got forward well his crossing is always a weapon.
Sankofa - 6, Solid, did what he had to with minimal fuss.
Baldwin - 7, Sign him up! Gets his head on everything and put's his body on the line, was a real leader at the back.
Herd - 7, Good throws and a few good tackles.
Scannell - 7, Rips defenders apart at times, ever improving and a real talent. Shame about the injury hope it's not too long.
Macca - 7, Got stuck in and attacked well.
Grant - 8, Ran the show every tackle perfect, every pass precise.
Moose - 8, Best display in Southend shirt? A great strike and a great header, getting back to form.
Spencer - 7, Energetic and pacey something we've lacked from the front line took his header well.
Vernon - 6, Did OK but failed to have a big influence on the game.

Subs:
O'Keefe - 6, Few neat touches.
Crawford - 6, Looked energetic and got in decent positions.

 

[Clinton Baptiste]

Great performance although Walsall made no attempt to win the game once down to 10 men and made it very easy for us.
What stood out for me and hopefully for Tilly is the realisation that actually OUR players are just as good if not better than the loanees. Herd looks no worse than Friend, White or Malone, Sankofa looks better than Mvoto and Spencer was infinitely more impressive than Vernon. Just a shame Tilly didnt realise this earlier! Maybe Webb has had some influence on this.

 

[jackspratt]

Mildy - 6 Not much to do.
Francis - 7 His crosses brilliant.
Sankofa - 7 Played well be a shame if dropped.
Baldwin - 7 If we stay up please sign him up does more talking than Barrett does.
Herd - 7 Long throws caused problems.
Scannell - 7 Shame got injured hope not too bad.
Macca - 7 Did well.
Grant - 8 Mom with Moose.
Moose - 8 Mom with Grant.
Spencer - 7 Took goal well lots of running.
Vernon - 6 Did better than Saturday.

Subs:
O'Keefe - 6 Good to see back after his op.
Crawford - 6 Good to see him get a run out good prospect.

Ref 7

Will Tilly change a winning team hope he gives Barrett a rest.

 

[seany t]

Had I risked a burger, I'd have probably even been offered onions.

And that's... a good thing...?

Really wish I could have made the trip back last night.

STILL not seen the team win this season. I think it's best I stay away...

 

[haveaguiness]

I think a few people have gone a little over the top with there ratings, but I agree with most.

I know it won't happen but I would like to see the same team back out there Saturday, but I guess captain calamity will be back in. The thing I liked about last night was that we kept things very simple! I didn't particularly notice Sankofa out there which was a good thing as he just won the ball and played it simple. No trying to play 60 yard passes or run up the field. He has pace and covered for others at the back a few times very easily. He just did his job, which is all you can ask for a centre back. I think playing alongside Baldwin helped. I always felt he was very harshly criticised but after last nights performance I think he has shown what he can do.

Having said that, how bad were Walsall!!! I mean they are in the top half of the table and only troubled out goal once with a freekick. I know they had 10 men for most of the game but even before that, they couldn't string two passes together.

Was also nice to see a decent ref at the Hall. Got 95% spot on!

 

[Ricky Otto]

Don't usually do ratings, I don't like to be negative, but as there were plenty of positives here are my ratings:

Mildenhall: Not a lot to do, beaten by the freekick that hit the bar but it was a decent freekick. No wayward kicks I can remember. A solid if unspectacular 6.5

Francis: Showed all the attributes that make a quality full back. Calm on the ball, read the game well, some very clever well weighted balls down the flank and brilliant delivery into the box. We all know Francis is capable of this and that is why it is so frustrating when he has these blips in form that seem to be so common with him. Last nights performance 7.5

Baldwin: You know exactly what you will get with this guy, another faultless performance. Was good to see him going round the whole ground afterwards too, says to me he wants to be a Shrimper and I'd love him here perminently. 7.5

Sankofa: Never been a fan but the lad went a little way to winning me over last night. Nothing spectacular, but you just want a solid game from a centre back and Osei gave that last night. Hit the bar with a header too. 7.5

Herd: We all know about his throws and they are a great weapon to have, they aren't the only string to Johnnys bow though his work rate is superb and has a good brain going forward/overlapping. Some of his decisions defensively are questionable but he's young and still learning and no mistakes he made cost us. 7.5

Scannell: Playing with confidence now and is proving to be a good player. Won corners and freekicks a plenty. A handful. I hope the injury isn't serious 7.5

Macca: Not his best performance, a lot of wayward passing and seemed the weak link in what was a very good midfield last night. On the plus side he controlled his temper very well, got fouled a good few times with no retaliation 6

Grant: As well as his usual ballwinning midfield game he was comfortable on the ball and knocked the ball about well. A really hard working display 8

Moooooouuuuusssssseeeee: Brilliant 9

Vernon: Not his biggest fan, he'll never score goals but he holds up the ball well and gave a solid performance last night 7

Spencer: Great work ethic, really run his proverbials off. Not a polished performance but has pace and showed he can finish. 8

 

[C'mon you Shrimpers]

just realised with work limiting my visits to games that I've not seen us lose this season. Will be at Bristol on Saturday.
Anyway a few brief points.
Those moaning that Walsall were dire. Why are we **** when we lose and the opposition **** when we win. Strange that.
Sending off. As clear as you will ever see. None of the Walsall players complained it was that clear. Two footed over the ball straight in to Grant's shin/ankle area. Lucky to be able to walk away.
Herd must take all throws either side of pitch within range.
Baldwin won everything.
Vernon may not ever score but a great bit of centre forward hold up play I thought.
All the rest superb. Good character, team work and hard worh.
Moussa's first goal wonderful technique, went like a bullet.
I think we can do it if the spirit stays there.
I do think Webb is the reason Herd and Spencer started. He was a great one for chucking people in to give them a chance and Herd's stregth is not necessarily his defending which is OK but his throws and free kicks. We need to attack and win games and that is why he's been recalled.