Pre-Match Thread Southend United v Gateshead, Saturday 3rd February, 15:00k.o., NL

[Shrimpergonzo]

After our winning start to the new calendar year came to an abrupt end at runaway league leaders Chesterfield, it’s time to get back to winning ways at Roots Hall with visitors Gateshead making the long journey from the North East.

The Heed, under the interim management of former Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot, currently sit in eighth place in the National League. Despite being just one place outside the play-offs and beating high-flying Barnet 2-1 last Saturday, their current form is not great and they’ve lost their last three away games, including being even more heavily beaten (5-0) than we were at Chesterfield.



The 3-0 defeat to the league leaders along with new players bedding in and previously injured ones getting some match practice may give Kev a chance to make some changes for (hopefully!) the first game at Roots Hall since 6th January after two postponements.

New boys Crowther, Morton and Waldron will all be in hoping for a starting berth, but who should make way? For the first home game this season, our management team actually have some options with some players even having to be left out of the match day squad.

So who would you choose to start against the Tynesiders, and what do you predict the result will be?

 

[Harry Bullocks]

I’m loving the competition for starting places, but not sure where to fit Crowther in, with Kensdale, Ralph, GSM, Taylor and Brooklyn

 

[rigsby]

I’m loving the competition for starting places, but not sure where to fit Crowther in, with Kensdale, Ralph, GSM, Taylor and Brooklyn

Crowther at LB and Ralph replaces our weakest player by at Chesterfield....Wes.

Or straight swap Morton for Wes......As I suggested before the Chesterfield game.

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

… or Bridge in Wes’s position, Ralph at LWB and Crowther at LCB

 

[Texas Eslan]

Great to have options! Only change for me in starting line up would be taking out Cardwell who didn’t look quite ready fitness wise at Chesterfield. Either Waldron or Sandat to start with Cardwell an impact sub from 60 minutes.

Some saying Morton for Wes is also a good shout. Can’t find a place for Crowther in the starting line up right now though as defence has been excellent.

 

[rigsby]

… or Bridge in Wes’s position, Ralph at LWB and Crowther at LCB

Personally I would always have Bridge furthest forward or just Ralph instead of Bridge. Crowther would be starting for the first time and I wouldn't trust Bridge as 'insurance' cover in front of him.

Thats not a slag of Bridge just horses for courses comment. If you pick Bridge you play him where the opposition don't want you too. If he crossed the ball without all the fuss he really would be a player.

 

[DIFH]

After our winning start to the new calendar year came to an abrupt end at runaway league leaders Chesterfield, it’s time to get back to winning ways at Roots Hall with visitors Gateshead making the long journey from the North East.

The Heed, under the interim management of former Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot, currently sit in eighth place in the National League. Despite being just one place outside the play-offs and beating high-flying Barnet 2-1 last Saturday, their current form is not great and they’ve lost their last three away games, including being even more heavily beaten (5-0) than we were at Chesterfield.

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The 3-0 defeat to the league leaders along with new players bedding in and previously injured ones getting some match practice may give Kev a chance to make some changes for (hopefully!) the first game at Roots Hall since 6th January after two postponements.

New boys Crowther, Morton and Waldron will all be in hoping for a starting berth, but who should make way? For the first home game this season, our management team actually have some options with some players even having to be left out of the match day squad.

So who would you choose to start against the Tynesiders, and what do you predict the result will be?

Morning guys,

We played Gateshead recently on the back of them losing their top scorer in the transfer window; their manager and carrying loads of injuries at that time.

You are definitely in for an interesting game, they have pace all over the place and are effectively dangerous. Considering their woe’s on the day they didn’t run out of steam, lots of younger players.

I think you’ll win by the odd goal.

Dave.

 

[Leigh_Seasider]

Any team that has watched us will be expecting us to work it down the left using Wes and Bridge. How about we start without either? I'm hesitant to say use Ralph at LWB as he's been so great at LCB but Crowther is meant to be good in the air, so why not. With Cards and Waldron up top we need to get the ball into the box. It was mentioned that Wood could/should play the attacking MF role so why not start him there. He might be the one to feed balls into feet through the middle and take set pieces. Strong bench with options if we had to switch it up (bit risky with no defenders).

Collin
Gus - Taylor - Kensdale - Crowther - Ralph
Miley - Husin
Wood
Waldron - Cardwell

Subs - Sandat, Fonguck, Dackers, Morton, Bridge

 

[rigsby]

Just thinking about the away game. Gateshead were very dangerous coming straight down the middle of the park. Without Miley they easily carved through us with quick 60yd breaks and some sharp passing.

So Morton for Wes and of course Cav should take care of that. Despite post match claims on here Dackers won his first few headers or did enough against Grimes. Fair play to Mr ponytail he quickly got his act together and gave Dackers a battle but he is one of the best CB's in the NL.

So still start with Cards and Dackers up top but make sure we use that heath option and remember they comfortable receiving with their back to goal. Mix it up and lose the predictable over use of JB. Even if Jack ties up their RB back in his own half that's job well done. All it needs is a couple of quality crosses and are in business.

Still leaves Kev with good options after the obvious 65min sub of Harry C.

 

[fredheim_holm]

Any team that has watched us will be expecting us to work it down the left using Wes and Bridge. How about we start without either? I'm hesitant to say use Ralph at LWB as he's been so great at LCB but Crowther is meant to be good in the air, so why not. With Cards and Waldron up top we need to get the ball into the box. It was mentioned that Wood could/should play the attacking MF role so why not start him there. He might be the one to feed balls into feet through the middle and take set pieces. Strong bench with options if we had to switch it up (bit risky with no defenders).

Collin
Gus - Taylor - Kensdale - Crowther - Ralph
Miley - Husin
Wood
Waldron - Cardwell

Subs - Sandat, Fonguck, Dackers, Morton, Bridge

From an armchair fan, "I'd be interested to see what happens" perspective, I don't disagree with any of your points. I'd love to see Wood thrive in the Wes role and think he could (given time), Crowther looked very assured in his cameo at the weekend so mixing it up and putting him in with Bridge off the bench has its allure, and the most sensible of all, putting Waldron in from the off, seems a good shout.

There's a high level of risk in that, Wood especially, so I'd probably play safe with Wes in there, but tempting nonetheless.

 

[Holy Joe]

2 changes for me. Waldron for Dackers - need to see what Waldron can do.

Wood for Wes - let's see what he can do in the number 10 role with 2 strikers ahead of him.

Plenty of options on the bench if either don't work or tire out.

 

[leeblue]

 

[leeblue]

I figure Wes literally occupies similar areas of the pitch as Bridge....often wide left so try Bridge there, may conserve his energy somewhat by not having the work load of a wing back, improve defensively with Ralph in LWB.

 

[Spenser]

Rather surprised that people are so keen to see Wes making way for the newcomers. In home matches I would say he's been one of most effective players and the combination with JB has created loads of chances.
Nice to have options off the bench if Plan A is not working.

 

[Shrimpergonzo]

Rather surprised that people are so keen to see Wes making way for the newcomers. In home matches I would say he's been one of most effective players and the combination with JB has created loads of chances.
Nice to have options off the bench if Plan A is not working.

Funny isn’t but football always divides opinions. Personally I don’t like Wes in the team at all - think he has some ability but rarely the bravery to use it to its full effect.

Great to be having these debates again though!

 

[shrimper61]

I had a dream Monday night, that Danny Waldron scored a brace on his home debut and Roots Hall was rocking.

Fingers crossed it comes true

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

This would be my lineup - Bridgey, Noor and Wes all need a rest so they are all on the bench for this one. Dackers joins them on ther bench, while Crowther, Morton, Coker and Waldron are added to the starting lineup:

 

[shrimpled]

I just don't understand this clamour to drop Bridge.

 

[Shrimp and two veg]

They beat Barnet at home on Saturday.

 

[Suffolk Shrimper In Dorset]

A former leading scorer will be back at Roots for this one ....