Greatest moment?

[Sandbach Shrimper]

In terms of how I felt at the moment I'd have to say Piggott's goal, although it's hard to compare as it's still fresh in the memory whereas some of my other great moments were when I was quite young. The 2005 play-off final will always have a special place as it was my first Southend promotion, Freddy's goal was obviously a great moment but because it was quite early on in the match, at the time I think most of us probably felt that United would get back into it. Piggott's goal wins it just for sheer surprise and the swing from being 2 minutes away from another season in League Two to feeling like we were in League One. In a sense the goal summed up our season. I'm sure I'll see more Southend promotions and goals against Premier League teams in my lifetime, but doubt I'll ever experience anything like those 20/30 minutes at Wembley (although I hope I do). Even though it wasn't a winner, I just felt like we were then going to go on and win the pens. By the time Bentley saved the crucial penalty I was almost too exasperated to celebrate.

Honourable mentions too to Freddy's equaliser at Swansea in 2006 and Wayne Gray's goal the following weekend to win the title.

They're not a bad team to support really, are they?

 

[Gremlin]

For me it's Benji's goal but only by a whisker and because I keep asking myself the following question. Would I still be thinking about Piggott's goal now if we'd lost the penalty shootout?

 

[yogi bear up the cagire]

Was thinking of starting a thread along similar lines. As a long term exile I didn't have the pleasure of being at Bury, when Benji put it in the net, nor at Swansea when Freddy got us promoted and I was only able to watch Freddy's goal against Man U on French TV.
One of the reasons I hadn't posted was that I was not sure how to categorise the experience at Wembley and classifying it as 'the greatest moment' is astute and correct. Bury runs it close, especially with the sending off but IF we hadn't won at Bury, there were still opportunities to seal promotion in the last two games......likewise I think for Swansea. For me you have to take that Pigott goal in the context of what has gone previously. A season where one month's successes never really followed the next. An unbelievable run-in of seven wins on the trot and then the dismay of throwing it away when our promotion fate was in our own hands. The play-off semi-finals, twice coming from behind against Stevenage and then Wembley.
In truth the Final was nothing to write home about..........a disallowed goal, a blantant penalty not given to us and Bentley tipping a great header over the bar......I think that about sums it up. However extra-time and penalties was rather like a whole lifetime of supporting Southend United, encapsulated into just under an hour! In my opinion there was probably no greater moment in the club's history, when that 122nd minute goal went in. I'd spent twenty-five minutes coming to terms with defeat..........my jacket put on , ready for a speedy exit. At half-time in extra-time I'd been bemoaning the fact that in over three and half hours at Wembley (JPT Final included) we'd never had the chance to, at the least, cheer a goal. As Norwichshrimper said above "the timing, the relief, the joy and the excitement" was the thing that made that moment truly exceptional.
No one has mentioned it but had that moment and the penalty victory which followed even more significance? I've heard from whom I would consider to be a reliable source, that PB's job was on the line and without promotion he'd no longer be our manager.

 

[yogi bear up the cagire]

For me it's Benji's goal but only by a whisker and because I keep asking myself the following question. Would I still be thinking about Piggott's goal now if we'd lost the penalty shootout?

.............but we didn't! and if we had...........this thread would never have been started! :smile:

 

[MK Shrimper]

I've heard from whom I would consider to be a reliable source, that PB's job was on the line and without promotion he'd no longer be our manager.

Been golfing in Wickford J?

 

[yogi bear up the cagire]

Was thinking of starting a thread along similar lines. As a long term exile I didn't have the pleasure of being at Bury, when Benji put it in the net, nor at Swansea when Freddy got us promoted and I was only able to watch Freddy's goal against Man U on French TV.
One of the reasons I hadn't posted was that I was not sure how to categorise the experience at Wembley and classifying it as 'the greatest moment' is astute and correct. Bury runs it close, especially with the sending off but IF we hadn't won at Bury, there were still opportunities to seal promotion in the last two games......likewise I think for Swansea. For me you have to take that Pigott goal in the context of what has gone previously. A season where one month's successes never really followed the next. An unbelievable run-in of seven wins on the trot and then the dismay of throwing it away when our promotion fate was in our own hands. The play-off semi-finals, twice coming from behind against Stevenage and then Wembley.
In truth the Final was nothing to write home about..........a disallowed goal, a blantant penalty not given to us and Bentley tipping a great header over the bar......I think that about sums it up. However extra-time and penalties was rather like a whole life of supporting Southend United, encapsulated into just under an hour! In my opinion there was probably no greater moment in the club's history, than when that 122nd minute goal went in. I'd spent twenty-five minutes coming to terms with defeat..........my jacket put on , ready for a speedy exit. At half-time in extra-time I'd been bemoaning the fact that in over three and half hours at Wembley (JPT Final included) we'd never had the chance to, at the least, cheer a goal. As Norwichshrimper said above "the timing, the relief, the joy and the excitement" was the thing that made that moment truly exceptional.
No one has mentioned it but had that moment and the penalty victory which followed even more significance? I've heard from whom I would consider to be a reliable source, that PB's job was on the line and without promotion he'd no longer be our manager.

I should actually add surprise to the emotions, when that goal went in...........did anyone REALLY believe, after they had scored, that we actually looked like equalising?

 

[yogi bear up the cagire]

Been golfing in Wickford J?

NO! but I've been to the market in Saint Gaudens! :winking:

 

[mattytheshrimper]

Even though everyone has said it already it has to be the pig goal. I have never felt that emotion at a football game and the way it all happened was incredible. That sort of thing happens against us not for us so that memory will stay with me forever.

 

[Shrimpers are Magic]

Oh, there's been so many!!! You know what?, coming back from 2 nil down to beat Wigan at home was a memory as was beating Wolves 1 nil in front of so many (and the old South Bank) on a friday night to all but seal promotion. But bearing in mind I thought I might have done myself permanent damage when it went in, it has to be the Wembley equalizer.

 

[E for B and Billy Best]

Benjy scoring at Bury?
Freddie's goal beats Man Utd?
Piggot equalises in Play-Off Final?
Bentley saves to win Play-Off Final?
Other?

Stanleys two goals at Huddersfield in the FA Cup. I dropped my pie celebrating the second one...trust me this man and his pie are never seperated!

 

[Fred]

Having been to all the key games mentioned above, I truly cannot decide. But if I had to put them in any order it would be, 1. Benji and Pigott, 2 Jupp 3. Eastwood at Swansea 4. Eastwood v Man U. (Mustn't forget Flahavens contribution-truly brilliant). These are my top 4. The next time a thread like this crops up it may well be different.

Can I also say that Drewe Broughtons goal against the scum in the semi final of the LDV Trophy always brings a big smile.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Having been to all the key games mentioned above, I truly cannot decide. But if I had to put them in any order it would be, 1. Benji and Pigott, 2 Jupp 3. Eastwood at Swansea 4. Eastwood v Man U. (Mustn't forget Flahavens contribution-truly brilliant). These are my top 4. The next time a thread like this crops up it may well be different.

Can I also say that Drewe Broughtons goal against the scum in the semi final of the LDV Trophy always brings a big smile.

Agreed.

D***e B*******n scoring against Col Ewe was the equivalent of walking the ball to the goal line and getting down on hands and knees to head it over the line.

We did a similar thing a few years later when we beat them at their place with even Che Wilson scoring.

****ing hilarious.

 

[ozzie]

King Billy Bests goal at Scunthorpe April 72 .:happy::happy::happy:

yep,i was at that game...or even his,i think, v Villa.....happy days

 

[Swiss Tony]

I have seen the lot...since 1982 anyway.
Bury away was always the one, never to be touched.
Some have come close.
Piggot at wembley....wow just wow. Such late late drama at wembley stadium no less. Then the drama of the shoot out. An added note of sentiment for me was the southend boys on the pitch too. I understand white has always had strong southend family connections. Ad barrett, local lad, Jack payne and Dan Bentley youth products out there contributing to promotion. Bury or wembley???? I am genuinely torn now. Also a mention for the atmosphere at wembley.....moist

What the man said,spot on.

 

[shrimper-james]

Piggott for me, no question. Not sure if I will ever have that feeling again

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

Hearing the other results at Swansea away whilst we were still playing, realising we were up to the Championship was the best day for me. Something i never thought would happen with Southend after years of lower leagues. Strangers were hugging each other with tears. Me included. All the other moments were great, but double promotion is a bloody rare achievement. And always will be.

 

[Fred]

Hearing the other results at Swansea away whilst we were still playing, realising we were up to the Championship was the best day for me. Something i never thought would happen with Southend after years of lower leagues. Strangers were hugging each other with tears. Me included. All the other moments were great, but double promotion is a bloody rare achievement. And always will be.

I remember sitting on the coach with Lee Trundle applauding us as we left the Liberty Stadium, in complete contrast to the throat cutting gestures from their fans.

 

[Jedi Shrimper]

I think Pigott's goal has to be top of the list for me. I only started following the Blues the season after Benji's goal v Bury, and I wasn't at Cardiff for the play-off final (I was watching in the pub, it would make my top 10 but not top 5) or at Swansea. My top 5 would be...

1. Pigott's goal @ Wembley
2. Freddy's goal v Man Utd
3. Winning the Lg1 title v Bristol City. (Goater's retirement, the goal, the celebrations, a special day)
4. Brett Angell's goal v West Ham.
5. Beating Newcastle 4-0 on NY's Day to go top of the 2nd Tier.

 

[The Eternal Optimist]

Every time I walk into Roots Hall or rock up at an away fixture, it's a great moment. I wouldn't trade an opportunity to watch the Blues for a threesome with Holly Willoughby and Kelly Brook.

 

[Mark Stevart]

I think Pigott's goal has to be top of the list for me. I only started following the Blues the season after Benji's goal v Bury, and I wasn't at Cardiff for the play-off final (I was watching in the pub, it would make my top 10 but not top 5) or at Swansea. My top 5 would be...

1. Pigott's goal @ Wembley
2. Freddy's goal v Man Utd
3. Winning the Lg1 title v Bristol City. (Goater's retirement, the goal, the celebrations, a special day)
4. Brett Angell's goal v Wet Spam.
5. Beating Newcastle 4-0 on NY's Day to go top of the 2nd Tier.

yeah the jimmy greaves put the kiss of death on us