It’s Premiership versus League One on Tuesday night as Colchester United head to Sunderland for their Carling Cup second round tie, a fixture which most neutrals will see as a ‘cup final’ for Colchester United. But only three years and a half ago U’s fans will remember a very different story.
Sat, 21 Apr 2007 - Roy Keane assembled his premiership-bound charges to the almighty Layer Road. Jonny Evans, Stern John and Dwight Yorke lined up against little Colchester, punching well above their weight currently sitting 9th in England’s second tier of football. Loitering outside of the Drury, I look around; it’s the perfect day for football. Blue & White shirts streaming up a sun drenched Layer Road en route to a tired and decrepit Layer Road (to quote Jon Champion from ITV’s highlights programme) . Wayne Brown fired Colchester United ahead right of the cusp of half time, bad-tempered manager Roy Keane missed it due to heading down the tunnel as soon as the 4th officials board went up. No doubt Keane would have demanded to know what happened as his players joined him in the changing room minutes later. Sunderland hit back minutes after the restart through Trinidad and Tobago’s biggest export; Dwight Yorke. (Shaka Hislop was my favourite export until I discovered he was born in Hackney.) The fearless U’s went on to net 2 more goals, scored by Richard Garcia and Jamie Cureton.
I remember standing at work in a fish & chip shop a couple of hours after the game, temperature inside must have been 30°C at least.
I thought to myself; “This is it…Unless we somehow make the play-offs for the Premier League (which was still a possibility).”
As a spotty teenager in a red and white apron, I knew this was the peak for Colchester United. And it’s somewhat comforting now when I see the gulf in class between the two teams again. It’s what being a football league fan is all about, never expecting too much, and always thriving on being the under-dog.
Roy Keane walked out on Sunderland…..Surprisingly. Many of the squad he bought to Layer Road are with him at that club up the A12. Likewise the majority of our squad that day have departed.
Hopefully being the underdog will benefit us Tuesday; even though I would much rather 3 points in the league at home to Carlisle on Friday night. Will Ward tweak his starting XI from that who has started the last 2 league games? I think he’ll bear in mind the prospect of picking up injuries as well as fatigue from extensive hours on the team bus this week.
I’m not expecting too much this time around, although I’m looking forward to finding an English bar and watching Gillette Soccer Special whilst I’m in Portugal. I'm sure you'll agree, that’s why we go abroad right?
A reverse of fortunes for Colchester United this week as the U’s were on the right side of an 83rd minute goal. Ian Henderson stealing all 3 points at the depth against a resolute Rochdale side. Andy Bond continued to impress as he added to his goal tally, putting united ahead in the 38th minute. Rochdale equalised within minutes of starting the second half, Dawson unopposed heading home from a corner. After going in front late on Colchester managed to hold on and gratefully take 3 points back to North Essex.
Dagenham & Redbridge were encouraged with the news that Lee Hughes was sidelined with a groin injury but John Still will rue the missed chances during a positive first half. Josh Scott hitting the woodwork was the closest of the Dagenham opportunities. Notts County came out stronger after half time and went ahead on 54 minutes, Craig Westcarr slotting home after a neat move from County’s Ben Davies. Daggers will undoubtedly be looking forward to playing at Victoria Road, Tranmere are the visitors next Saturday.
Southend United have now suffered successive losses after a 3-1 defeat to a strong Port Vale side. The Shrimpers got off to a less than ideal start when Justin Richards put Vale 1-0 up on 5 minutes; this was followed by a second after half time. It was 3-0 on 83 minutes before an own goal by Gareth Owen. Southend find themselves 22nd and will need to start picking up points soon to avoid slipping into a relegation dog fight.
It’s still looking good at the top of the Blue Square South as far as Essex teams are concerned. Chelmsford City made it 3 wins out of 3 games and go top of the league with a brace from Dave Rainford. Takumi Ake made it 3 on 46” and effectively wrapped up the points for City. Braintree Town drew away at St. Albans City whilst Thurrock failed to hold on to a 2-1 lead and eventually drew 2-2 with Boreham Wood. It was Elliot Godfrey who grabbed an 83rd minute equaliser and robbing Thurrock of all 3 points.
Billericay Town find themselves on top of the pile this evening with an impressive 3-0 win over Tonbridge Angels. AFC Hornchurch secured an opening day win against Cray Wanderers, 1-0 was enough to secure all 3 points. Canvey Island, Aveley and Concord Rangers all picking up a solitary point after all drawing their respective fixtures.
Grays Athletic began their life in the Ryman League North with a 1-0 defeat against Harlow Town at their make shift home in East Thurrock. Brentwood Town currently occupy top spot with a convincing 5-0 home thrashing of Leyton. Maldon and Tiptree won their first ever competitive league fixture, a 2-0 triumph over Potters Bar in front of an attendance of just 57. Meanwhile, Heybridge Swifts managed a sure start, beating Tilbury 1-0 at Scraley Road. Romford beat Cheshunt 2-1, East Thurrock drew 1-1 with Great Wakering Rovers whilst Redbridge lost 1-0 away to AFC Sudbury and Ilford drew 2-2 away at Waltham Forest.
With Dagenham and Redbridge not in action last weekend, it was a chance for fans to give closer inspection to how other teams have adapted to the new League One season. Perhaps the most dumbfounding and surprising of observations can be trailed to our opponents tomorrow, Notts County. Out of the four promoted teams from League Two, it has generally been the opinion of many fellow fans, pundits and ‘experts’ that Notts County would fair the best and may even be dark horses for the play-offs or further promotion. However Notts County have been slapped in the face by the gulf between League Two and League One as quick as Sol Campbell running for the exit sign. Notts County have yet to score, losing their first two games 3-0 to Huddersfield Town and Paul Dickov’s Oldham Athletic. With many Notts County fans bizarrely questioning Craig Short’s tactics already, is this perhaps a ideal opportunity to get our first win of the season although not only that, but away from home where we have struggled in recent years?
Dagenham and Redbridge’s begun their quest for survival or La Salvezza as the Italians call it – Salvation – on the opening day losing to Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough. If anything, this performance produced confirmation rather than doubt that La Salvezza (I may continue to use this term to provoke some romanticism when it may get gloomy) is possible for Dagenham and Redbridge this season. Due to the regrettable circumstances which called off the game against Exeter City last week, Dagenham will now travel away again although will John Still now pinpoint this game with his trusty finger as a game to be ceased on. Many fans will have no doubt trawled through the fixture list looking for possible points. The home games against Exeter, Tranmere and Leyton Orient seem achievable, however Gillingham’s one season stay in League One last season proves that home form on its own simply won’t be good enough. Gillingham finished 21st last season, after going the whole season without an away win. Obstinately, Daggers must improve on their travels to have any chance of maintaining their League One status. But how? The ethos is more easily said that executed as we prepare to come up against masterful Ben Davies in midfield and thug but annoyingly good Lee Hughes who tore the Daggers apart last season in a 3-0 win at Meadow Lane.
Transcending with my true Football Manager helmet on, where my CV speaks for itself if you even dare to question, John Still stated the intention at the start of the season that the sky is the limit for the team, therefore he won’t be holding back and will give the team full freedom to attack, fully aware that this could backfire into a few heavy defeats. This was music to my ears and there was no going back on his promise when he started with a 4-4-2 formation against Sheffield Wednesday with Tomlin and Benson upfront in a game where many others would bail out for the cautious and predictable 4-5-1 or 5-4-1. Still is known to favour continuity and will most likely stick with this line-up; however I’d be tempted to make a few changes that would greater resemble the ‘play-off’ or ‘Wembley’ team which was so effective.
I would team up Gain and Vincelot in central midfield again. Infact I was surprised John opted to break them up in the first place; Gain looked missing at times against Wednesday and is much more effective in the centre in his versed age. When Vincelot was moved to partner the Irishman at the backend of last season, I hadn’t seen such stability since the early Taiwo-Gain partnership. I think with Gain’s experience and ability, it is essential that he gives the defence protection against the likes of Davies and Hughes. If Scannell is fit, I would be get him on that left-wing. The early indications have suggested that the full-back area is one of Nott’s weakest areas, with Hunt reportedly suffering a shaky start. Therefore if Green and Scannell can get the space to run at the full-backs, it could be the avenue of much success. Finally, I would get Scott back in place of Tomlin despite the events that have occurred this week . Nothing against Tomlin, I have only seen him in one game, but Notts County possess two burly defenders in Edwards and Thompson, similar to Purse and Beevers of Wednesday who dwarfed Tomlin the whole game. Josh on the other hand offers some strength and may be able to hold up the ball to allow the likes of Danny Green to get in penetrating positions. I await my scouting fee in the post Mr Still.
I’m off for a bite to eat but I’ll leave you with this. It will be hard to dampen the “Dagger” spirit this season as simply we have nothing to lose. On the contrary, Notts County have started the season with much optimism but fell straight on their arses. A rookie manager, no Kasper guarding their net, No payouts from Munto Finance and perhaps fear of a third defeat in a row to little ol Dagenham, we may not get many better chances for a League One away win, just a shame I won’t be there if it does happen.
In League One, Dagenham and Redbridge’s match with Exeter City was postponed due to Adam’s Stansfield death earlier this week. Colchester United started off their home campaign with a tough opener to Sheffield Wednesday who defeated The Daggers 2-0 last week. A fairly even match saw Colchester United take the lead with a spectacular effort from Andrew Bond who was plucked from non-league Barrow in the summer. However, Alan Irvine brought on Neil Mellor to form a three man attack alongside Clinton Morrison and Marcus Tudgay. This proved to be an astute substitution with Mellor scoring in the 82nd minute to muster a draw for the Owls.
Dropping down to League Two, Southend United played a hard fought game with Aldershot Town away at the Recreation Ground. With the game looking to be heading for a draw after few chances, Colchester United target Marvin Morgan scored in the 81st minute to give Southend United their first league defeat of the season.
The Non-League season kicked off today and for the Essex sides competing in Blue Square Conference South, it proved to be an exceptional start. Chelmsford City travelled to Hampshire side Basingstoke although arrived in less than fortunate circumstances after traffic congestion caused them to arrive late, thus the game being moved to a 3:15pm kick off. However despite the less than ideal preparation, the Clarets made a great start by going a goal up in the 17th minute by the impressive Matthew Lock after being set up by new signing Sam Higgins. Nevertheless, the adversity that had plagued their trip looked to have taken its toll. Two minute later, Basingstoke was awarded a penalty after a Marlon Patterson foul, which Rob Rice converted. But Chelmsford were able to settle and two substitutions by Pennyfather obstinately changed the game. Billy Bricknell replaced Higgins while John Martin came on for Stephen Reed. The two men immediately made an impact, a header by Bricknell rattled the post in the 66th minute, however the rebound was met by Martin to make it 2-1. Bricknell then netted a goal himself, his first since joining from Billericay after good work once again by Lock in midfield. A nervy finish resulted in Basingstoke pulling a goal back, however Chelmsford held on to win 3-2, a result Pennyfather will no doubt be delighted with.
Braintree Town also opened their account with an emphatic 3-0 win over Steve King’s Farnborough Town. Braintree Town have a made abundance of changes to the squad since Rod Stringer arrived, including losing star striker George Purcell to York City. Be that as it may, goals weren’t a problem at Cressing Road. The impressive Sam Lechmere was at the heart of everything Braintree were able to produce. A 5th minute corner from the winger was headed home by Bailey-Dennis. Braintree then extended their lead on the half an hour mark, Lechmere once again involved and unselfishly set up striker Sean Marks to score.Lechmere then capped off a fine performance by scoring low drive before the break to mark off a brilliant opening day win for the Irons.
Thurrock FC weren’t able to make it an Essex whitewash in the Conference South but made an impressive comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw at Ship Lane. After a dreary first half, St Albans took a quick fire 2-0 lead with goals from Drew Roberts and Inih Effiong in the space of three minutes. However Cliff Akurang who returned to the club after a venture in League football with Dagenham and Redbridge and Barnet showed his worth by scoring two goals, one of them a contentious penalty in the 73rd minute.
The Ryman League still doesn’t commence until next week. AFC Hornchurch take on Cray Wanderers at home, Billericay Town are also at home against Tonbridge Angels. Canvey Island have a tough away trip at Margate while Aveley go to Horsham. In the Ryman League North, Brentwood Town, Grays Athletic, Harlow Town, Heybridge Swifts, Tilbury, Maldon and Tiptree, AFC Sudbury, Romford, Redbridge and Ilford are all in action.
Obscure, bizarre and overwhelming are just a few adjectives to describe the feeling on Saturday when we arrived at the doorsteps of the beating heart of South Yorkshire, Sheffield.In many ways, this was the perfect setting to begin our adventure into the incongruous surroundings of League One, a city which I begrudgingly left only two months ago after finishing my studies. As familiar and acquainted as I am with the city, our 11:45 arrival to Sheffield train station led us to the ‘The Sheffield Tap’ situated at the station itself, a dainty little pub which I never got time to visit in my final year at University. This perhaps came at a relief to the ‘older’ acquaintances (I say this with much caution) who accompanied me as the initial plan was to drag them to my ex student haunts in the city centre.For the ale habitué among us, this was ecstasy with a wide selection of world beers and ales however the statement: “I just want a Fosters” sums up the other half’s mindset who hadn’t quite acquired the bitter taste, me being one of them. Fortuitously, a few of us stumbled onto a cherry beer which while perhaps a little quaint, was nonetheless lovely, therefore indefinitely ruling out stopping at any more watering holes.
Four cherry beers later and we were half an hour away from the new season, time to get a taxi to Hillsborough something I’ll probably never say again.After watching a billowing of blue and white shirts rush past it, the whole grandeur of the event was beginning to sink in, Dagenham and Redbridge at Sheffield Wednesday. Owl’s fans will no doubt look down on our starred eyed confoundment with a hint of condescension, however this is as good as it gets for our club. I imagine Wednesday fans hold their memories of Old Trafford and Anfield clenched tightly to there chests as they find themselves in the same domestic league as ‘minnows’ such as ourselves, I can imagine myself in ten years time doing a similar thing, incessantly telling anyone who wants to know that we played infront of 23,000 people once our mercurial rise has ceased (I’ve articulately side stepped the option of mentioning non-league here!). So while Wednesday fans may be quite flattered that we view the trip to Hillsborough in such a perplexed way, it is a million galaxies away from going to Leigh RMI and losing 2-1 on the opening day of the season in 2003 infront of 400 fans, one of the first seasons I started to follow Daggers away.
I therefore tried to take a lot of it in, I got myself a programme which I don’t do very often these days, slotted my ticket stub neatly into my back pocket and gazed at the stadium in tranquil silence at how far our club had come. However, Giles Coke and Clinton Morrison soon enough smashed this dumbness into pieces within 14 minutes as they stormed into a two-goal lead. After a quite assured first five minutes it seemed like apprehension and nerves had overcome the players rather than Sheffield Wednesday endeavour with two sloppy and avoidable goals. However as the game went on, the further we settled to our new surroundings and started to gain a foot hold in the game. League One football obstinately was a breeze for Vincelot who was imposing himself upon with the game with spells of elegant passing and assurance needed after such a shaky start. We matched Wednesday for large periods of the game, although It did lamentably feel like Sheffield Wednesday had dropped a gear to shun any kind of a comeback which they managed very effectively, Purse and Beevers were exceptional at the back and didn’t give our attack much of a chance except for Gain’s fluky attempted cross which nearly deceived Weaver in goal.
The final whistle was blown and I think most fans walked away quite happy that we weren’t overawed by producing a bold, credible performance in the second half. Infact, I think many left quite optimistic for the Exeter game on Saturday. Par Huddersfield and Southampton, this was undoubtedly of our toughest games of the season and we came out of it with immense dignity.The daunting gap in the gulf of football was certainly bigger than the one onto the train at Dagenham East station, Tudgay and Teale in particular indicated this with some deft touches and moves. However, we didn’t go there with the “Park the Bus” mentality that many other teams employ away at ‘bigger’ teams, we didn’t lump the football upfield or show any indication that gamesmanship or brutality was going to be our avenue to survival this year. We went there; we tried to attack and marginally lost in what was arguably quite a close encounter for most of the game. The game turned sour in the second half mainly because Doe and Arber were able to stifle Morrison and Tudgay, probably two of the best strikers we will be coming up against this season (Lambert and Barnard will be left toothless upfront against us of course!).
After a couple more cherry beers at t’tap, we were back on the train to London and managed to blag first-class seats after they buggered up the seating reservation which resulted in a merry trip home accompanied kit-kats, wine and some of Mark and Spencer’s finest Belgium lager. After a few more beverages in Russell Square and a staggered walk to my house at 1 in the morning. I was home with a cup of tea still shouting a resounding no to my drunk self that we will not get relegated this year, Bring on the Grecians.
Oh and Man of the Match for us was Vincelot by far, I’m starting to like the French.
I'm happy with a point, although it's always disapointing to let go of a lead so late into the game. Pleased for Cousins in goal, didn't sound like he did too much wrong but he'll be disapointed to have to pick the ball out of the net twice.
Exeter are fast becoming our 'bogey' team so it's good to go there and come back with a point, it sounded like we had chances to win all three points mind you.
Camulodunum
Sheffield Wednesday 2 : 0 Dagenham & Redbridge
..On the train...
Southend United 1 : 1 Stockport County
A game which we should've won after sustained spells of pressure ended in relief to get a point after Blair Sturrock's last-gasp equaliser. Southend dominated for most of the match but lacked quality in the final third. Barry Corr does well as a targetman but he could've scored a hat-trick today and needs someone alongside him to play off him rather than playing on his own. Stockport threatened occasionally on the counter-attack, with Blues' goalkeeper Glen Morris impressing on his debut, and took the lead in controversial fashion. I'm not entirely sure what happened but I understand the linesman had his flag up for offside when George Donnely smashed the ball home. The goal infuriated the home side and manager Paul Sturrock was sent to the stands in his first competitive game. But it was the boss' son who saved the day in the 95th minute when he bundled home a Zaaboub corner.
Overall, a game lacking in quality, something Southend fans will have to get used to this season, but not lacking in talking points and not a bad peformance from our almost completely new team (only 2 of the starting XI played in the home game against Stockport at the end of last season). A mixed day for the Sturrock family. Billy Blenheim
After a summer of turmoil and drama behind the scenes at Roots Hall, Southend fans can finally look forward to the forthcoming football season after the club settled their debts with HMRC on Monday and escaped administration (for another year, at least). It means that the transfer embargo which has been on them for some time now should be lifted before the start of the season, allowing the 17 players who manager Paul Sturrock has signed on pre-contract agreements to officially register with the Football League and play Stockport County on Saturday, including today's 3 new signings - Chris Barker (1-month loan from Plymouth), Josh Simpson (6-month loan from Peterborough) and Adam Bouzid. The embargo hasn't officially been lifted yet, despite Ron Martin's assurance (another broken promise) that it would be sorted by yesterday, but I imagine it's just a case of paperwork and bureaucracy. Again it was Sainsburys who saved the day, underwriting Southend's debts for the next 12 months. I may tell my mum to start shopping at Sainsburys!
Looking ahead to Saturday's opening match with Stockport (and how nice it is to be talking about football not finance), it is hard to make predictions with Southend at the moment given that we have an almost completely new team who need to gel. But there is certainly a feeling of positivity around the place, helped by Tuesday's impressive 1-1 draw with West Ham United (albeit their reserve team). Defensively the team looks solid, with Tunisian centre-back Bilel Mohsni looking like a gem of a discovery from the French amateur leagues and new signing Luke Prosser impressing against the Hammers. The central midfield partnership of captain Craig Easton and Anthony Grant, now the longest-serving and arguably best player at the club, must be one of the strongest in the league. The side's weakness appears to be up front as we lack a proven, regular goalscorer. Blair Sturrock and Barry Corr are experienced at this level but have poor goalscoring records, whilst Harry Crawford, Matt Paterson and Scott Spencer are all young, unproven strikers but they should get a fair few goals between them. Contrary to recent seasons in which conceding goals has been the problem, this season may see a lot of low-scoring games. Stockport were the last visitors to Roots Hall for a league game, having also been relegated from League One, and like Southend they have substantial financial problems. The Shrimpers won 2-1 on that occasion and it should be a close game again. But whatever the result, we should just be thankful that we have a team to field. Ron Martin is far from a hero but at least the club is above water for another 12 months. Billy Blenheim
