Pre-Match Thread Southend United v Oldham Athletic, Sunday 1st June, 15:00 ko, National League play-off final @Wembley Stadium

[ColinMorrisWalksOnWater]

Great to have a final between two traditional clubs. for varying reasons both can blame off the field issues and individuals as to why both clubs are in this Godforsaken league. The football both clubs play is a style that deserves to be on a higher stage and would see both clubs hold their own. I have the utmost respect for Oldham. I would hope they do for us too, particularly over our play off performances.

I don't think we will be rolled over, but make a good account of ourselves.

Games like this are decided on moments and can be tight occasions. Look at the Orient game, where there keeper sets a wall up a player light and gives Charlton such a moment.

I hope we focus at the back and don't offer moments.

Winnable for us? Definitely.

Winnable for Oldham? Definitely.

I hope our determination and ability on the ball prevails and we make the most of our moments.

Prediction? 2-1

to who? I can't say at the moment, too tight to call, but l.am expecting a fabulous day and given the encouragement on the pitch, the backing of 20,000 plus Shrimpers will pull us over the line.

I certainly hope so.

COYR

 

[shrimperjon]

Have a feeling Cav will start this one. Don't think Coker has been quite right in either the Rochdale oe FGR games. Cav gave his best performance since returning from injury at FGR so think he may hav eplayed his way into the starting line up

Hayes
Gus Goodliffe Taylor Ralph
Cav
Husin Kaf Leon
Hopper Kendall

Going for a 1-0 win

 

[hlane17]

I think Cav deserves a start - he's been growing in stature, confidence and fitness and is a big game player

Completely changed the game for us at FGR.

 

[amsemp]

Not fussed on starting line-up as the bench will play a huge part as they did at Rochdale & FGR. Same 18 for me bar hope Collin fit for bench.
WE MUST capitalise on this HUGE opportunity to get back to EFL. It is so much more difficult to get to this play-off final than in the EFL. In fact I would take losing our next 2 play-off finals in EFL if it guaranteed winning this one.

That’s a great point to be fair. An early injury to Hayes could be an absolute disaster if Collin’s not fit enough to deputise. Absolutely no offence intended to Anssi, but having a 38 year old keeper in for most of the game who hasn’t played in over 3 years is a worry.

 

[shrimpled]

I think we'll win in 90 minutes, and McCauley Bonne will score the winner.

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

I think Cav deserves a start - he's been growing in stature, confidence and fitness and is a big game player

Thought Cav was excellent when he came on at Forest Green but what big games has he started?

 

[Streaky]

Have a feeling Cav will start this one. Don't think Coker has been quite right in either the Rochdale oe FGR games. Cav gave his best performance since returning from injury at FGR so think he may hav eplayed his way into the starting line up

Hayes
Gus Goodliffe Taylor Ralph
Cav
Husin Kaf Leon
Hopper Kendall

Going for a 1-0 win

I don’t disagree but Cav hasn’t played 90 mins in a long time. I can see him coming on for a tired Husin after 65 mins.

 

[amsemp]

Thought Cav was excellent when he came on at Forest Green but what big games has he started?

Agreed. Cav was great against FGR but I don’t see Kev mixing it up too much. Bridge or LCP for LWB is his biggest decision. Cav will have an important role to play if we’re trying to see out the game, but don’t see Kev changing the midfield 3 of Coker, Husin and KAF who have worked really well of late.

I know some have suggested dropping Coker, but having a player in the side who can get himself a goal and hit one from distance is a huge plus. Also, watch his assist for Goodliffe against FGR again! Superb ball in. This is likely to be a game of fine margins where one well hit shot or decent set piece could win it. So Coker is a definite starter for me.

 

[Rooster79]

anyone got a decent mug shot of GSM? needed for some fun masks lol

 

[amsemp]

anyone got a decent mug shot of GSM? needed for some fun masks lol

First one even has a green screen!

 

[Pak Power]

Hat -trick for Josh Walker , you heard it here first

 

[Richard Hearn]

Hat -trick for Josh Walker , you heard it here first

Nurse! The medication!

 

[RHB]

I think Cav deserves a start - he's been growing in stature, confidence and fitness and is a big game player

Tricky problem. Noor has been coming more and more into form and has a very good engine if he's on his game. Cav was superb for his cameo against FGR, so both have their virtues.

 

[RHB]

Hat -trick for Josh Walker , you heard it here first

As long as that doesn't include taking a penalty. I'm still struggling to say his real name rather than total tosser after that penalty miss. Cruel and unfair, I know, but my old emotions were running high at that point.

 

[Rooster79]

View attachment 36992View attachment 36993

First one even has a green screen!

for 2015 we all had Timlin masks after the Stevenage goal... feel its only fitting to do the same after GSMs penno against FGR!! these are spot on though thanks

 

[NZamba Legend]

Reckon Gus is the cheekiest looking player ever to grace the Wembley pitch

 

[Somerset Ex-TTB]

Just Bridge in for LCP for me as the only change from FGR.

Cav was impressive last time out, but subs will be needed and I think him, Bonne and Leon are all great options off the bench.

 

[Whispering Bob]

I think we'll win in 90 minutes, and McCauley Bonne will score the winner.

I also have a big hunch for Bonne. It would be so 'football eh? blo*dy hell', if a player with is pedigree, after enduring such a torrid start with us, clinched the game with a last-ditch winner.

 

[RHB]

Just Bridge in for LCP for me as the only change from FGR.

Cav was impressive last time out, but subs will be needed and I think him, Bonne and Leon are all great options off the bench.

And so was Jack last time out.

 

[RHB]

Reckon Gus is the cheekiest looking player ever to grace the Wembley pitch

Mrs RHB reckons he should be made to pull his socks up, brush his hair and shave off the fluffy thing on his top lip. She is a Season Card holder, so she is entitled to her views, but sometimes they are complete bollocks, you choose.