Evening Echo
The News
SOUTHEND United fans have their say on Tuesday night's 2-0 win against Boston United.
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Very goodI have more than a feeling that Boston will get relegated.
For a 70 year old man that’s impressiveStill did a full pre-season training schedule
BOSTON United boss Ian Culverhouse thought Southend United's strikers were the difference between the two teams at Roots Hall tonight.
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Yea again spot on about Waldron. Lots of people backing him tonight and saying what a willing runner and hard worker he is etc. that’s great but if we want to go up we need better than that. He’ll be a back up only now and even then if we can bring in someone better then hell be 4th choice.We really should have buried Boston tonight,loads of possession and some excellent approach play but we were so profligate with our final ball in with little to get on the end of. Our defenders had an easy night apart from the last 10mins when their subs harried us for every ball making life a little less comfortable. As for Waldron , for all his undoubted effort I just don`t think he`s got it, he blew his chances against a very average side and I see nothing but a very willing runner, we need more. All in all a much improved performance but hope Moncur brings that desperately needed brain to midfield.
'if we want to go up we need better than that'Yea again spot on about Waldron. Lots of people backing him tonight and saying what a willing runner and hard worker he is etc. that’s great but if we want to go up we need better than that. He’ll be a back up only now and even then if we can bring in someone better then hell be 4th choice.
The amount of times the ball bounced off him with a bad touch, or ran away from him, or he picked the wrong pass or made the wrong run etc.
I get players have bad games - hopefully it’s a factor - but as I said in my original post, that’s the worst team I’ve probably ever seen at roots hall and they were leaving us acres of space. He should have done better.
The one chance he did get - which he did very well to fashion himself btw - he fluffed Ultimately. Maybe he had too much time and too many other options to pass to and that happens… but going back to my first point here, if we want to challenge at the top, we will need better.
I expect Kev knows this as why we got Walker (and rumoured to be after Bongo or Adarkwa, both of who would be above Waldron in the pecking order)
Yeah tbh am in two minds about Waldron. He made some good runs, got in good positions and I really felt for him when through on goal as he’d set himself up well but ultimately couldn’t bury it which would’ve done wonders for his confidence. Last night was a big chance for him against a poor defence. He did look sharper than in pre season and the run out would’ve done him good but he needs to take these opportunities. Seems like a decent lad so hope he can succeed here.Yea again spot on about Waldron. Lots of people backing him tonight and saying what a willing runner and hard worker he is etc. that’s great but if we want to go up we need better than that. He’ll be a back up only now and even then if we can bring in someone better then hell be 4th choice.
The amount of times the ball bounced off him with a bad touch, or ran away from him, or he picked the wrong pass or made the wrong run etc.
I get players have bad games - hopefully it’s a factor - but as I said in my original post, that’s the worst team I’ve probably ever seen at roots hall and they were leaving us acres of space. He should have done better.
The one chance he did get - which he did very well to fashion himself btw - he fluffed Ultimately. Maybe he had too much time and too many other options to pass to and that happens… but going back to my first point here, if we want to challenge at the top, we will need better.
I expect Kev knows this as why we got Walker (and rumoured to be after Bongo or Adarkwa, both of who would be above Waldron in the pecking order)
Good point, I meant to mention the corners. Both Coker and Bridge have been poor with their corners so far this season. Out best corner taker is, unfortunately, being used as last man cover. Our 2nd best was on the pitch last night but didn't take any (Noor).Couple of corners from Bridge which were shocking (sorry Jack) so still work to do on that front. Once it all clicks .. watch out!
Taylor is always MOM lol, you just know he is going to make the tackle.Harry Taylor man of the match for me. Lots of contenders though.
We look difficult to beat which bodes well, and indeed we are. Only one defeat in 18 competitive games now. If there’s no standout side in NL this season then four points every six is probably enough
I'll second those stats. Taylor MOTM for me, aswell. Whenever we lost possession Taylor tidied up at the back, and even drove forward on occasions.I didn't think Boston were as bad as some clearly do. They played some neat stuff at times but seemed to suffer from the same problem we had when Mooney was with us of being unable to convert in the final third (Collin's save apart). Which begs the question, is it a Mooney problem?
Anyway, on to us, and we should really have been more clinical and finished with more goals. Gutted for Waldron who I thought started very well, he really needs a goal and I thought he should have had one. Works better with Cardwell than Walker at the moment though. Cards was fab, his strength and speed was obviously hard for them to deal with.
A big surprise to see Noor start, but fantastic to see him back and looking sharp and being exactly the player we've missed. Him and Cav and Coker were terrific together. Throw in Moncur for longer periods and that's a really impressive midfield.
Defensively very strong. Bridge looked much more comfortable, and good to see all three of the CDs getting forward, Taylor was probably my MOTM, seemed to be re-living his CM days as I'm sure he was forward more than he was defending. Gus still gets overlooked far too often for my liking - in acres of space, wide open on the wing and looking for a quick ball out. Only happened a couple of times, both of which were over hit. Work on that a bit more and we have that electric turn of pace to cause problems for opponents.
Ralph and Kensdale also very good in defence and Collin barely had a thing to do all night but did make an incredible point blank instinct save which was offside.
We've not had a box to box creative midfielder since Anthony Wordsworth left, and it is something we have really missed. George Moncur showed he can fill that hole if he stays fit and motivated. What a player! Great defensive tracking back and recovery. Smooth as you like, confident and skilful. Seemed reluctant to have a shot though, was happy to ping the ball about in front of the opponents' box instead. Hopefully that confidence will grow and he'll start shooting.
Collin - 7
Gus - 8
Taylor - 8.5 MOTM
Kensdale - 8
Ralph - 8
Bridge - 7
Coker - 7.5
Miley - 7.5
Husin - 8
Cardwell - 8
Waldron - 7.5
Subs:
Moncur - 8
Others not on long enough.
Officials - Okay, did think the ref let a couple of things go that he shouldn't.
Credit to the Boston fans who kept the singing going throughout.
A most enjoyable evening at Roots Hall - did the floodlights seem a bit dim to some? We thought they weren't as bright as normal!
On Mooney looked annoyed at the Boston manager as he was subbed and went straight down the tunnel. The other substitute who came off (Wood) at the same time was directed by someone in the directors box to go and get Mooney to come back to the bench.I didn't think Boston were as bad as some clearly do. They played some neat stuff at times but seemed to suffer from the same problem we had when Mooney was with us of being unable to convert in the final third (Collin's save apart). Which begs the question, is it a Mooney problem?