Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 2-0 Tamworth

[Evening Echo]

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher believes Blues will be boosted by Cav Miley's return from injury.

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[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher believes Blues will be boosted by Cav Miley's return from injury.

The influential midfielder, who had been out with a back issue since late August, played the final eight minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win against Tamworth.

And Maher is certain Miley's return will make the Shrimpers stronger.

"He’s been a huge player for us since he’s come through the building," said Maher.

"He’s been a massive miss too.

"We’ve had a lot of people leave the building and injuries all at once which affects you but we’re getting stronger now.

"That’s telling in the results and it’s good to have that competition for places."

Miley joined the Shrimpers in the summer of 2022 and has made 90 appearances for the National League club.

 

[CrippsCorner]

Not seen much written about Bridge, I think he had a great game. Noticed he's been benched a few times recently? So felt like he was fighting for his place back. In fact I couldn't fault the 'old' guard of him along with Husin & Ralph.

Pepple brings excitement when he gets the ball which is something we definitely need. Hope he stays longer and gets as many goals as possible. So nice to see enthusiasm too.

Agree with others than Bonne had a decent game. I feel sorry for him to be honest and definitely want him to get that first goal in!

In fact I would say the only player to really make a a few mistakes was GSM but hey, we're always going to forgive him aren't we.

 

[Evening Echo]

HALLOWEEN weekend is normally associated with unexpected and unwanted horror.

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[SouthendSpence]

Not seen much written about Bridge, I think he had a great game. Noticed he's been benched a few times recently? So felt like he was fighting for his place back. In fact I couldn't fault the 'old' guard of him along with Husin & Ralph.

Pepple brings excitement when he gets the ball which is something we definitely need. Hope he stays longer and gets as many goals as possible. So nice to see enthusiasm too.

Agree with others than Bonne had a decent game. I feel sorry for him to be honest and definitely want him to get that first goal in!

In fact I would say the only player to really make a a few mistakes was GSM but hey, we're always going to forgive him aren't we.

Ralph is so consistent, one of my favourite players

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

HALLOWEEN weekend is normally associated with unexpected and unwanted horror.

But there were no such issues for Southend United at Roots Hall on Saturday as Kevin Maher’s side cruised to a comfortable 2-0 triumph against Tamworth.

In the first ever meeting between the two teams, the Shrimpers started strongly and ultimately secured their victory inside the first 16 minutes of the match.

Goals from Bim Pepple and Oli Coker put Blues in complete control and they were very rarely troubled by their shot-shy opponents who failed to register a single effort on target.

As a result, it was another pleasing afternoon packed full of positives for a Shrimpers side who do appear to have turned something of a corner after a slow start to their season.

The powerful Pepple, who is on loan with Blues from Luton, made the biggest impact at the weekend.

And at times he resembled a senior school pupil playing against primary school opposition as he regularly used his pace and power to pose problems.

Pepple also showed good composure when clean though on goal to break the deadlock and he displayed excellent awareness to make the Shrimpers’ second too.

The striker again outmuscled a defender before crossing into the path of the onrushing Coker who scored with a well-taken first time finish into the bottom left hand corner of the North Bank net.

Tamworth’s defenders seemingly had no answer to Pepple’s play and the forward is quickly becoming a firm fans favourite at Roots Hall.

The striker also possesses infectious enthusiasm on and off the pitch and, while not wanting to get carried away, Blues’ biggest problem concerning the likeable loanee may well be keeping hold of him for the whole season.

However, Pepple was not the only positive as fellow goalscorer Coker again underlined his importance to the team.

Hitting the back of the net often enough has long been a problem for the Shrimpers.

But Coker – more than any other midfielder at the club – has the technique and ability to push for double figures and he showed just why again on Saturday.

His calmly taken effort saw Southend end a run of three successive home defeats with a well-deserved win which made it four games unbeaten for Blues.

It is also four clean sheets in succession for the Shrimpers who had on loan Lincoln City goalkeeper Zach Jeacock between the sticks for the first time.

Jeacock was included due to a slight injury concern to Collin Andeng Ndi and produced a solid performance on debut.

The custodian was not called upon too often but did well to claim and clear a large number of deliveries being thrown and kicked forward into the box.

Blues stood firm where that was concerned and also won the battle in the centre of the park, where James Morton’s play proved key.

The midfielder may not be one to instantly stand out when watching the Shrimpers but his influence on proceedings should not be understated.

It is certainly not a coincidence Blues’ results have improved with Morton in a deeper midfield role.

His presence gives Southend better balance and real intelligence in a key area of the pitch while his wide range of passing is equally as impressive.

However, Morton now faces extreme competition for his place in the starting line-up following the return of Cav Miley.

The experienced midfielder, who had been out since late August with a back problem, played the final eight minutes against Tamworth and his return was another plus point for Maher.

The Shrimpers boss watched on from the directors box at Roots Hall on Saturday as he served a one match touchline ban after being shown three yellow cards.

But, whatever way you look at it, Blues are making progress after a problematic start.

With players returning, Maher now has more ability to make changes and he opted to recall Jack Bridge at left wing-back for Saturday’s showdown.

In doing so, Bridge made his 150th appearance for his hometown club and his loyalty and professionalism definitely deserves to be highlighted.

Bridge and his team-mates will certainly face far tougher tests than Tamworth in the weeks to come.

And, having overcome far scarier times than even Halloween, the Shrimpers are definitely moving in the right direction once again.

 

[Jay_SUFC]

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher believes Blues will be boosted by Cav Miley's return from injury.

The influential midfielder, who had been out with a back issue since late August, played the final eight minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win against Tamworth.

And Maher is certain Miley's return will make the Shrimpers stronger.

"He’s been a huge player for us since he’s come through the building," said Maher.

"He’s been a massive miss too.

"We’ve had a lot of people leave the building and injuries all at once which affects you but we’re getting stronger now.

"That’s telling in the results and it’s good to have that competition for places."

Miley joined the Shrimpers in the summer of 2022 and has made 90 appearances for the National League club.

I hope Maher doesn't rush him back and drop Morton, or even attempt to play the 2 of them together!

I personally think that Coker returning has been the biggest influence.

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

I hope Maher doesn't rush him back and drop Morton, or even attempt to play the 2 of them together!

I personally think that Coker returning has been the biggest influence.

I personally think Noor could do with a rest. Morton has been much better than him lately, and deserves to keep his place.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

I personally think Noor could do with a rest. Morton has been much better than him lately, and deserves to keep his place.

But the problem is, Morton has played the 8 role before and been really ineffective. I fear that it will have to be one of Morton or Miley for the number 6 role.

 

[Jai]

But the problem is, Morton has played the 8 role before and been really ineffective. I fear that it will have to be one of Morton or Miley for the number 6 role.

It's a nice problem to have. My suspicion is that when we play against some of the lower ranked sides, who really aren't interested in coming to Roots Hall to win, Morton has the edge.

Against the better sides in the league, Miley gives us a lot more solidity and sees danger early.

I like Morton but Miley is the better player overall, there's very few better midfielders in this division off the ball.

 

[Blues4LifeDan]

It's a nice problem to have. My suspicion is that when we play against some of the lower ranked sides, who really aren't interested in coming to Roots Hall to win, Morton has the edge.

Against the better sides in the league, Miley gives us a lot more solidity and sees danger early.

I like Morton but Miley is the better player overall, there's very few better midfielders in this division off the ball.

As you state, it's a nice problem to have. Next week for example, if properly fit, Miley starts that game all day long. When we have more of the ball, Morton is better suited. This is the luxury of having a squad. First time for everything for Maher.

 

[shrimperjon]

Not seen much written about Bridge, I think he had a great game. Noticed he's been benched a few times recently? So felt like he was fighting for his place back. In fact I couldn't fault the 'old' guard of him along with Husin & Ralph.

Pepple brings excitement when he gets the ball which is something we definitely need. Hope he stays longer and gets as many goals as possible. So nice to see enthusiasm too.

Agree with others than Bonne had a decent game. I feel sorry for him to be honest and definitely want him to get that first goal in!

In fact I would say the only player to really make a a few mistakes was GSM but hey, we're always going to forgive him aren't we.

I was desperate to see Bridge grab the chance with both hands Saturday but he didnt. Not sure what he did to suggest he had a great game. He has been a shadow of himself this season. i really hope he can rediscover his form and Tamworth were a good opponent to do so but just didnt see that from him. I would be concerned Saturday if he plays and Gubbins is left out. Think the three of Gubbins, Crowther and Taylor have really grown into a decent unit this past 3/4 games with Ralph at LWB. Would like a back 5 of Ralph, Gubbins, Crowther, Taylor and Gus Saturday with bridge ready to come off the bench

 

[Hooly]

Really good stuff this. Well done to the club.

 

[flangejackrabbit]

Tamworth giving Huddersfield much more trouble than they gave us...

 

[Barling Magna]

Tom Tonks' long throw was certainly dangerous but the punch on the Huddersfield keeper by the Tamworth striker was decisive in their goal.

 

[Hawkwell Blue]

And what I assume is a plastic pitch. That away game is one to miss.

 

[Barling Magna]

A National League side defeats a League One former Premiership side.

Let's hope for the same tomorrow at the Hall.

 

[londonblue]

How can a pub team beat a League 1 team? They were ****ing awful last week.

Could it possibly have anything to do with their pitch?

 

[cerbera45]

Tom Tonks' long throw was certainly dangerous but the punch on the Huddersfield keeper by the Tamworth striker was decisive in their goal.

They certainly were "thugs"

 

[Whispering Bob]

And what I assume is a plastic pitch. That away game is one to miss.

No way, we’re there in Feb.