Two losses and a win and I’m still none the wiser as to how this season will pan out. What has to be said though, is that in Lee Barnard we may have found someone to replace the goal-scoring prowess of Freddie Eastwood. With 12 goals already this campaign Lee ‘Barney’ Barnard looks set to grasp his hands on the converted golden boot already! We came a cropper against Southampton at home last Friday on an awful night at Roots Hall. The second game running where a dubious goal was given. Steve Mildenhall (our goalie) grasped the ball only to have it kicked from his grasp into the goal. Confusion ensued with the majority of Roots Hall looking at the Ref to blow for the foul….he never did! Instead, the goal was given and our run of poor luck continued. A rain-soaked evening dampened the mood of everyone bar the traveling Southampton fans. It got worse for the blues after a deflected shot hit the back of the net and a missed header from Adam Barrat led to Southampton’s third. The only highlight of the game was a stunning free kick from George Friend reminiscent of Eastwood’s Manchester United humbler. Hat off to the Southampton fans, although still didn’t compare to us on the last day of the season at St Marys.
Bristol Rovers had been flying high before their visit to roots hall, and if their recent form was to go by this should have been a shoo-in for Rovers. However this is football, and Barnard and co had other ideas. Francis Laurent caused havoc in his new favored position on the right, the Bristol Rover’s left back looking constantly frustrated at the ease with which he was being passed. The goal came from some brilliant individual work from Barnard who took the ball in his stride and placed the ball in the top right-hand corner from outside the box. The second goal came early in the second half, so early in fact that this fan was still taking his seat. A lovely cross-field pass from McCormack was comfortably slotted home by Barnard. Southend were playing Midfielder Anthony Grant at Center Half and he never looked comfortable. This was proven when he accidentally turned the ball into his own net. The blues managed to hold on and everyone left the ground with a smile on their face. A great game, especially for the neutral.
Oh by the way Southend has a new youth player on its books only available on my copy of FIFA!
