Southend 4s 2 - 1 Maldon & Little Baddow 5s
A stick-clenching, nail-biting conclusion to 2004
A rearranged game with ‘Maddow’ meant that, apart from occupying the final Saturday shopping day before Christmas (annoying one or two players’ spectating parents!), Southend’s 4th team were faced with a stick-clenchingly biting wind on the exposed Canvey astro pitch. Keen to get the proceedings under way, the game kicked-off ahead of schedule and Southend quickly established their usual structure of pass and attack, which - after a period of persistence - resulted in two superb goals from Jak Taylor. Southend’s robust defence was not tested significantly during this period, invoking a gibe from one of the spectators at goalkeeper Bart Vandervelde’s relaxed attitude, sitting on the goal’s backboard!
In the second half however Maddow piled on the pressure and an unusual defensive mix-up led to their forward capitalising upon an open goal, bringing them back into the game. Southend did not let their heads drop, and continued to persevere in Maddow’s half, but were unfortunate in not being able to find a crucial third goal that would have provided the necessary safety margin. Despite some last-minute nail-biting moments (ask Tyron if you want to know the cause!), Southend were able to hold on to their lead and concluded their game to seal a three-win run which has now placed them in fourth position in the 11SE league.
Southend’s winning run places them in a very good position in which to begin the 2005 year of return matches. However, with a number of difficult away matches in prospect for January, let’s hope the 4th XI boys don’t quaff too many mince pies over the festive period!
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