Pre-Match Thread Tamworth v Southend United, Saturday 22nd February, 15:00 k.o., NL

[Evening Echo]

DARREN Currie says Southend United must be ready for what Tamworth quite literally throw at them this weekend.

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[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Tough test - Southend United’s assistant head coach Darren Currie knows the Shrimpers will need to be at their best this weekend (Image: Lucy Copsey)


By Chris Phillips. Chief sports reporter.

DARREN Currie says Southend United must be ready for what Tamworth quite literally throw at them this weekend.

The Shrimpers make their first ever trip to the Lamb Stadium looking to edge closer to the play-off positions.

But, for that to happen, Currie admits Blues must be able to deal with the dangerous long throw of Tom Tonks.

“Gussy (Scott-Morriss) is the only one who has got anything close to it and I think this boy can throw it twice as far,” said Currie.

“You saw even in the Tottenham game Tamworth had in the FA Cup that it’s so difficult to deal with.

“Anywhere past the half way line he goes over to take it and everyone goes marching forward.

“We coped with it well at home and we’re going to have to deal with it again if the lad is selected.

“It’s not just the first ball either, it’s the second ball and you have to manage your box well in moments like that.”

The Shrimpers head into the game unbeaten in their last three matches.

Blues beat Aldershot Town 2-1 last time out.

And Currie feels the manner of the victory puts Southend in good stead for Saturday’s clash.

“In many ways the last 15/20 minutes of the other night might stand us in good stead,” said Blues’ assistant head coach.

“It was a little bit backs against the wall and we had to defend our box well which we did.

“I expect it to be very similar on Saturday.

“They’ll ask questions we’ve got to stand up to and it will be very, very difficult there.

“The surface will be tricky and they’ve got a style of play which will always ask questions of you defensively.

“Then we’ve got to be good when we have our moments and our time on the ball.

“We’ll continue to look to be clinical when we get our chances too.”

Blues go into the game sitting eighth in the National League standings.

But Currie is not looking to far ahead.

“The mentality has to remain sharp now,” said Currie.

“We’ve always been next game mentality since we first walked through the door and we don’t look too far ahead.

“On the back of three positive results it’s about Tamworth now and no further than that.”

And Currie confirmed the Shrimpers had no new injury concerns ahead of the game - other than head coach Kevin Maher who is currently unwell!

“Apart from the gaffer, we’re all OK,” said Currie.

“He’s the only one who is a bit rough at the minute but everyone is fine.

“You get niggles along the way and a few kicks in the game but we’ve got a clean bill of health at the minute other than the ones who have been out.”

Goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi (hamstring), centre-back Adam Crowther (knee) and midfielder Cav Miley (ankle) are all still sidelined.

 

[stewart]

I wonder id Maher has had the boys training on our synthetic pitch as preparation for Tamworths synthetic pitch ,

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Save him for Tuesday?

Tues 04th March ? (Woking)

 

[leeblue]

Joint killing fake pitch alert.
hate them.
Even at the lowly level i played at I know playing on them wrecked my knee.

 

[Jack_23]

Can see Ralph playing LWB and Hopper/Bonne being the front 2 to try deal with the long throws

 

[Barling Magna]

Good to hear from Darren.

Get well soon Kev.

 

[henry18]

When I watched the Tamworth game vs Spurs I couldn’t believe how bad the plastic pitch was … how can a plastic pitch be bobbly like it was is beyond me so I wouldn’t expect a nice flat surface

 

[Yorkshire Blue]

Can see Ralph playing LWB and Hopper/Bonne being the front 2 to try deal with the long throws

What happens when Hopper and Bonne tire after an hour?

 

[Smiffy]

 

[Tangled up in Blue]

Can't see us getting more than a draw in this.We'll see I suppose.

 

[Barling Magna]

Can't see us getting more than a draw in this.We'll see I suppose.

Tamworth held Tottenham to a draw over 90 minutes so a draw for us would not be a bad result. I'm going for 1-1.

 

[Rob Noxious]

Found this lovely old pub in town this evening after looking for the Tamworth Tap. I did find the TT (just up the street) but it was a bit busy and this one was more in keeping with my requirements.

https://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/our-taphouses/market-vaults/

 

[Supershrimper]

Heading to Tamworth tomorrow on the Blues On Tour coach. Looking forward to quenching my thirst in an ale house or 2