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The fbm view and ratings

Due to Spaceman Spiff being away, here is the match report that I think mcnasty is going to pin

OWLS GIVE BLUES THE BIRD IN STALEMATE


The last 2 or 3 seasons have been, for the most part, hugely entertaining for the Southend fans and 0-0 scorelines have been unusual.  Yesterday however, with Wednesdays spoiling tactics as predicted by Tilly and Blues not exactly prolific in front of goal, the goalless draw was probably the pre-match favourite result!

Whilst the game ended true to form, it certainly was not a nil-nil bore draw as both teams played decent football and had chances to win the game.  Whilst Southend kept the ball well in the first period, it was the visitors who looked the more likely to score as they rattled the woodwork twice and frequently exposed the home sides defensive frailties, particularly those of left back Hammell.  At times Blues were left chasing shadows in the midfield as Guttridge and Maher failed to get to grips with their opponents and it seemed only a matter of time before Sheffield took the lead.

But there were some bright spots.  Gower and Campbell-Ryce were on form, and Freddy began to show signs that he could shake off his man markers and went closest for Southend with two decent efforts, albeit from distance.  Unfortunately there was little understanding between him and his fellow striker Billy Paynter (as well as the rest of the team), who seemed always to be where the ball wasn’t.

At the break Southend could consider themselves fortunate to be still level.

All that changed in the second half however as Blues stepped up a gear and the visiting fans were silent for long periods.  Gower and JCR continued to impress, and the defence visibly tightened up as well.  Paynter put in a vastly improved showing, making intelligent lay offs (usually to a blue shirt) and it suddenly became obvious what he could bring to the party.  Wednesday were pegged back in their half but closed Southend down well, and as such chances were few and far between.  Guttridge unleashed a 25 yard piledriver that was tipped over, but despite all their possession, Southend’s efforts were still restricted to long range.

A couple of changes by Sturrock saw the introduction of Chris Brunt, who had three decent shots for the visitors, but the home hearts were in their mouths when a square ball across the box produced what looked like a handball with Clarke lying on the ball before Flahavan gathered.  The referee waved away claims amid howls of derision from the visiting fans.

With the match petering out and both sides beginning to wilt, Southend produced the games best opportunity.  At long last their clever passing and possession unlocked the defensive door and Paynter set Freddy free with a clear run on goal.  He took the ball into the box and sidefooted it past the keeper but also agonisingly past the post as well.

Soon after he and Paynter made way for Harrold and Hooper, and whilst they struggled to make an impact, Hooper had a clear penalty claim denied when his shirt was clearly tugged by the defender.  The referee would not have seen that but the linesman had a clear view and should have flagged.

So, a draw with the Owls was probably fair in the end but this just piles on the pressure for Tuesdays match against another feathered team, the Canaries.  We must make sure their feathers are suitably ruffled.

RATINGS:

Flahavan – 7 – In truth little to do although he did tip one free kick onto the bar in the first half.

Francis – 7 – Decent enough performance and provided good attacking options.  Linked well with Gower.
Hammell – 6 – Better in second half but definitely looked a liability in the first when he couldn’t get near their winger.
Clarke – 8 – Solid and steady.  Looks a class act.
Barrett – 8 – Like Clarke, rock solid and brought the ball out well.

Gower – 9 – MOM.  Was involved at every level and was the main creative outlet.
Maher – 6.5 – Didn’t really boss the midfield and reverted to the high looping balls to nobody that he kept playing about 3 years ago.
Guttridge – 6 – Not in the same form as at Leicester when he ran the show.  Had superb long range effort but gave the ball away cheaply at times.
Campbell-Ryce – 8– His best game for us by some distance.  Worked his socks off and on occasions there was some end product as well.

Eastwood – 6.5 – Much improved from recent weeks but failed to take the one good chance that came his way and if he has aspirations to play higher, he needs to be more clinical
Paynter – 6.5 – Poor in first half but there were encouraging signs in the second.  He is not going to be a 20 goal a season man but if Freddy could learn to feed off him he could be a real asset.


Subs –
Harrold – 6 – Not long enough to make any impresion but has good pace
Hooper – 6 – It’s a tough ask for a youngster to come on and make an impression against a team like Sheffield Wednesday and he didn’t have long enough to impress.

The ref –

Mr Beeby – 3 – Quite the worst I’ve seen for ages.  His only plus point was that he was equally poor for both sides and seemed to be intent on evening up poor decisions, which has the effect of doubling up on mistakes made.  It’s a long time since a ref has incensed both sets of fans with his incompetence but Mr Beeby managed it with ease.  His performance can be summed up in one word – useless.
 
Makes you wonder why we only got 25 seconds on the Championship when you put it like that. Great report as always.
 
Top point about the ref, he was pitiful. Prior to Saturday we have had 2 yellow cards in 6 games, he added 3 on Saturday. Two of which JCR & Barrett for seemingly winning the ball in tackles.
 
Good report as ever.

I thought the best penalty shout was one you didn't mention - Eastwood had a goalbound header handled. I was surprised Maher didn't get booked for protesting that one, seeing how keen the inept ref was at handing out cards.

Hooper's shirt was clearly being tugged, but those decisions only go in your favour if you are a big club.

Unlike those two which I had a very good view of from the South Upper, I couldn't see what the Sheff Wed claims were for. I thought they might have been arguing the ball had crossed the line!
 
[b said:
Quote[/b] (Hong Kong Blue @ Sep. 11 2006,13:46)]Good report as ever.

I thought the best penalty shout was one you didn't mention - Eastwood had a goalbound header handled. I was surprised Maher didn't get booked for protesting that one, seeing how keen the inept ref was at handing out cards.

Hooper's shirt was clearly being tugged, but those decisions only go in your favour if you are a big club.

Unlike those two which I had a very good view of from the South Upper, I couldn't see what the Sheff Wed claims were for. I thought they might have been arguing the ball had crossed the line!
Ah, yes, I'd forgotten that one... another example of the refs inconsistency, having given one to each team under almost identical circumstances in the first half when of course the offences happened OUTSIDE the box.
 
I had a cracking view of the Sheff Weds one because the ball was crossed from my side and I was down the right end. You couldn't have given it. Clarke slipped and appeared to land with his midriff on the ball. I couldn't be sure whether it touched his hand or not but thre was no intention there. No competent ref could have given it. That siad, it could have been given on Saturday...
 
Not sure about Clarkes rating,missed alot of headers, but made up for them with some brilliant blocks, very much the same player as barrett! Will Sodje ever get back into the side? I think it will take an injury to 1 of the other 2 to get back in.

Maybe he should start v Brighton.
 

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