Post-Match Thread and Ratings Southend United 3-1 Halifax Town

[Colchester and proud!]

I think you're right. He was shocking in the first 15 mins, but as the game went on he got stronger and stronger. A real presence in the air. Obviously Hopper we know well. Always puts in a shift

Yes Ben needs game time he is fearless and probably has one of the hardest headers in football, watch him attack the ball ( Sometimes unwisely!) he was unlucky not to keep his place with us, but a couple of injuries gave others a chance to claim his spot. He is a leader and organiser very vocal on the pitch, but is prone to the odd error!

 

[duncan bulgaria]

Cant add too much more than what already been said in this thread , a few observations from me

Hayes looks assured, kicking is a little unorthodox but hes decision making is good and is an opposing figure and can see him being more dominant in commanding his area

We had the best bench ive seen in a few years available to us last night which says a lot about the fact COSU have backed the manager

Bonne i was told from my Charlton fan as being a big time charlie, yet in the games ive seen him this season , hes been guilty of a few things but one cant be his character, when he was waiting to come on last night his was applauding Hopper who was leaving the field and that shows that he is a team player and once on the field he does add another dynamic to our attack

Morton is growing in statue, GSM has obvs claimed the plaudits for his goal scoring contribution this season but JM has been the most consistent performer for me, he is composed, tidy and dictates play at times, could do with a bit of a nasty streak about him but its obviously not his nature.

Goodliffe, Golding, Taylor, Ralph .......what a headache to have as a manager, wouldn;t know myself who id drop going forward, very tough call

 

[Seaside Shrimper]

I know our traditional colour is dark blue, however I much prefer the light blue & (pauses for pelters) I'd prefer it as our home colour.

I dont know if it is our traditional colour?? I preferred the royal blue we used to wear

 

[jackj13]

They’re clearly on different levels and I know some people with laugh but Kendall’s running with the ball and footwork does remind of a certain Freddy.

 

[WhiteNoise]

They’re clearly on different levels and I know some people with laugh but Kendall’s running with the ball and footwork does remind of a certain Freddy.

Krueger?

 

[Exiled blue]

Didn't expect that result, but that's just the boost i need, as start my Chemo tomorrow.
UTB

Hope all goes well buddy

 

[damien]

Also just to add I like Collin, where he’s come from, and his shot stopping at times especially from those close angled efforts.

Hayes though is just on a different level, he oozes being a goalkeeper, he looks the part, plays the part, and enjoys the part.

I think he will prove to a be a very good signing and will earn you a few extra points in between those sticks.

 

[geoffmundo]

Looking back at the Halifax goal, it was some move. All started from a dangerous corner from us that their keeper managed to punch clear. Then cleared down our left, Husin (?) beaten on the halfway line then one of their players facing his own goal plays ‘keepy up’ about 3 times then somehow overhead kicks the ball to a team mate who puts in Thomas. He then beats a number of our defenders before firing off Husin who deflects through Hayes’ legs. Some goal.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Looking back at the Halifax goal, it was some move. All started from a dangerous corner from us that their keeper managed to punch clear. Then cleared down our left, Husin (?) beaten on the halfway line then one of their players facing his own goal plays ‘keepy up’ about 3 times then somehow overhead kicks the ball to a team mate who puts in Thomas. He then beats a number of our defenders before firing off Husin who deflects through Hayes’ legs. Some goal.

Yes Halifax were a very good side. Full of movement and quick passing. I was impressed.

 

[Blues ‘n’ twos]

Yes Ben needs game time he is fearless and probably has one of the hardest headers in football, watch him attack the ball ( Sometimes unwisely!) he was unlucky not to keep his place with us, but a couple of injuries gave others a chance to claim his spot. He is a leader and organiser very vocal on the pitch, but is prone to the odd error!

I was impressed with Goodliffe’s general play last night, but more impressed with his constant communication with the rest of the team. He is extremely vocal, more so than any of our other defenders, something I think we have been lacking in.

 

[Liam AAS]

Hayes though is just on a different level, he oozes being a goalkeeper, he looks the part, plays the part, and enjoys the part.

This is arguably the best clause I have ever seen.

Sometimes this website is just full of whingeing and negativity but one day someone will post "he oozes being a goalkeeper" and my sides just split with laughter.

 

[Leeboy]

Yes Halifax were a very good side. Full of movement and quick passing. I was impressed.

yup agreed, especially for me their number 7 (whom thankfully fluffed his lines when pretty much clean through)

 

[rayleigh dan]

That result was badly needed after two sub standard showings. I’ll admit to being very worried 15 minutes in, we started very poorly and Halifax looked sharper. Goodliffe was having a mare with 3 awful passes straight to the opposition. Then something changed, we seemed to go more direct and the front 3 started getting some joy. By half time I felt we were slightly unlucky not to be ahead.

The second half continued in the same vein and finally we scored from a decent Morton corner. Credit to Goodliffe for winning the important header, after that shaky start he improved and was largely dominant in the air. Then, another great Morton delivery and another goal!

We looked comfortable until Halifax pulled one back with a good counter attack, although the defending left a lot to be desired. Suddenly it was panic stations with another shot just wide, but Kendall calmed my nerves with a good finish after a long Hayes kick wasn’t dealt with. There was still time for a couple of good saves from Hayes in a frantic last few minutes, but we more than deserved the win.

No-one had a bad game, I’d give all a solid 6 to 7, with the stand out players being Taylor who was back to his best, and Kendall who ran his socks off pressing, won both corners before the goals, and finally bagged one himself. I’ll hold my hands up to being unconvinced by him previously, but his work rate can’t be faulted and he showed he has some quality yesterday too. Keep it up Charley.

My biggest problem with the team and Maher recently has been the wild inconsistency in performances. Hopefully we’ll maintain a similar level on Saturday and break that 3pm at home hoodoo. How we react if/when we next go a goal down will be interesting too, no more Maidenhead-esque surrenders please!

 

[Seaside Shrimper]

How good was Hopper last night btw!?! He won so many headers, kept the ball well and led the line very well. The goal was an added bonus.

I'd be interested to see a front 3 of him and bonne either side of kendall, 2 big target forwards with nous and experience alongside a fairly quick busy player could work very well

 

[dusterman]

This is arguably the best clause I have ever seen.

Sometimes this website is just full of whingeing and negativity but one day someone will post "he oozes being a goalkeeper" and my sides just split with laughter.

Maybe he has netted rather than webbed feet?

 

[Colchester and proud!]

I was impressed with Goodliffe’s general play last night, but more impressed with his constant communication with the rest of the team. He is extremely vocal, more so than any of our other defenders, something I think we have been lacking in.

Yes he has been a captain at previous clubs, when we signed him from Sutton their fans were disappointed he was leaving. He has another year after this on his deal but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him leave if a club comes in for him, he has a lot of competition for a place here.

 

[Colchester and proud!]

How good was Hopper last night btw!?! He won so many headers, kept the ball well and led the line very well. The goal was an added bonus.

I'd be interested to see a front 3 of him and bonne either side of kendall, 2 big target forwards with nous and experience alongside a fairly quick busy player could work very well

That’s the Hopper the Cowley's loved, don’t judge him on his goal output his work rate and unselfish play make it so much easier for his team mates to play.

 

[Chris Powell's mate]

One comment above caught my eye: the one where we saw 'the best and the worst of Husin'.
It suggested they were in equal measures, but apart from one sublime piece of skill when the match was won, and chasing back to clear in the second half - what else?
Actually, saying he chased back to defend is faintly ridiculous. That's the least he should be doing!
It was his attempted flick over a player's head that led to their goal. He could have cleared/passed far easier, or even hit it against the player to earn a throw.
Until we scored, he and Bridge were passengers.

BUT the efforts of Taylor, Ralph, Morton and to some extent: Goodliffe, kept us in it.
Pleased for Kendall, but a bit like Walker he was finding it hard to make last third possession count.
Hopefully, that will have done his and Hopper's confidence a world of good.

 

[wiggy]

just noticed on the highlights that after Kendall scored, Bonne proper wound up the big black defender (whom he had wiped out earlier) and he - the defender- got a yellow card

Loving your work Bonne

Think Bonne deserves an apology from Goodliffe who managed to co ck up not once like Bonne did in the cup but FOUR times in the space of 20 minutes last night!
Thought he played ok after that but not quite so perfect are you son!

 

[Leeboy]

That’s the Hopper the Cowley's loved, don’t judge him on his goal output his work rate and unselfish play make it so much easier for his team mates to play.

you could say the same about Bonne - sadly some fans still only look at his goal stats.