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Southend United 1-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Saturday, 26th Oct 2019 17:03

Town returned to winning ways and to the top of League One after defeating Southend United 3-1 at Roots Hall. James Norwood put the Blues in front on seven and added the second in the 70th minute, before Kayden Jackson made it 3-0 six minutes later and Emile Acquah pulled back a late consolation for the Shrimpers on 83.

Boss Paul Lambert made five changes for the second game running with Will Norris handed his Blues league debut in goal.

Tomas Holy dropped to the bench, while Luke Woolfenden was back at the centre of the defence alongside skipper Luke Chambers in a 4-4-2 system. Kane Vincent-Young and Luke Garbutt were the full-backs.

Flynn Downes returned to the midfield after his hip injury alongside Cole Skuse with Gwion Edwards on the left and Danny Rowe on the right.

Norwood was back up front alongside Jackson. In addition to Holy, James Wilson, Jon Nolan, Emyr Huws and Will Keane all moved to the bench having started the 2-0 defeat to Rotherham in the week.

Southend, with new manager Sol Campbell and assistant coach Blues legend Hermann Hreidarsson in charge of the first time, made three changes from the team which lost 7-1 at home to Doncaster in midweek.

Rob Kiernan and Stephen Humphrys come in for the suspended Ethan Hamilton and Stephen McLaughlin, while keeper Mark Oxley returned in place of Nathan Bishop. They started in a 3-4-1-2 system.

Ex-Blues midfielder Luke Hyam was on the bench, while one-time Town academy schoolboy Nathan Ralph starts.

In steady rain, home fans thought they’d witnessed the first goal of the Campbell era in only the fourth minute when Kiernan headed Hutchinson’s freekick from the right past Norris, however, the linesman’s flag had been raised.

But four minutes later, the Blues, wearing their Barcelona-esque away kit, took the lead with their first serious attack.

Jackson deftly turned a long ball forward into the path of Norwood in between the defenders and keeper, and the Blues’ number 10 was first to it and slipped it past Oxley to his right.

The former Tranmere man celebrated his sixth goal of the campaign, and his first since the Shrewsbury match in August seven games ago. Online, another of the striker’s wrestling celebrations was unleashed.

Downes was booked for a foul on Tom Hopper on halfway in the 10th minute. The midfielder will now miss the Rochdale game in 10 days’ time as he has amassed five yellow cards already this season.

There was a scare for the Blues in the 15th minute when Elvis Bwomono sent over a low ball which Hopper and Humphrys were unable to reach.


A minute later, there was a mix-up between Oxley and two of his defenders just outside the area and the ball was mis-cleared to Rowe 35 yards out. However, the winger scuffed his effort at goal well wide.

Rowe went closer in the 21st minute, cutting on to his left foot on the edge of the box and hitting a low shot which Oxley claimed at the second attempt.

Town were forced into a change in the 28th minute when Skuse, who had received treatment a few minutes earlier, was replaced by Nolan.

Nolan immediately made an impact, the sub hitting a low shot from distance just after the half hour which Oxley saved but couldn’t hold. Jackson was first to the loose ball but was only able to smash it against the keeper and the danger was cleared.

Norwood stuck an effort on the turn from a Norris long kick in the 34th minute but he was too far out to seriously test the keeper.

On 38 Humphrys joined Downes in the referee’s book for a late challenge on Edwards.

Two minutes before the scheduled end of the half, Jackson saw a shot deflected wide. From the corner, Woolfenden’s header was nodded out by Hopper.

Town went even closer from the subsequent flag-kick, again sent in by Garbutt. Norwood headed powerfully into the six-yard box from beyond the far post and Chambers nodded wide.

The Blues had dominated the final minutes of the half and might have added to their lead.

After the early scare of the disallowed goal, Town got their noses in front and were largely comfortable from there without playing particularly fluidly in a game which was a typical League One battle for the most part.

Southend had rarely looked like getting on terms and another goal in the second half ought to be enough to win it for the Blues.

The restart was delayed due to a change of fourth official with a supporter taking over in the technical area.

Three minutes after the half started Jackson was booked for a foul on Isaac Hutchinson as the Shrimpers broke.

Simon Cox saw a powerful shot blocked on the edge of the Town box on 54 as Southend made a promising start to the second half.

However, on 57 Garbutt wasn’t too far away from making it 2-0 to the Blues with a 25-yard freekick which hit the side-netting.

Town were forced into another change in the 59th minute when Vincent-Young was replaced by Wilson. The ex-Colchester man looked frustrated as he left the field, the injury appearing a recurrence of his recent groin problem.

Woolfenden moved to right-back, a role he played regularly during his time in the academy and on loan at Bromley.

The Blues felt they might have been awarded a penalty in the 63rd minute when Edwards and went to ground under the attention of a Southend defender but referee Davies instead gave a freekick to the home side.

On 65 Cox almost played in Humphrys on the edge of the area but Garbutt did well to get in a toe and Wilson cleared the danger. Three minutes later, Alan Judge took over from Rowe.

Edwards almost added a second for the Blues in the 69th minute turning his man, then brought it in from the left and hit a low shot just past Oxley’s left post. Moments later, the Shrimpers swapped Hopper for Acquah.

The 2,450-strong Town support didn’t have to wait too much longer for a second goal. In the 70th minute the ball broke for Jackson on the left, he brought it to the byline and cut it back to Norwood, who turned home his second of the game and his seventh of the season.

Cox was booked for a lunge on Wilson, which might well have warranted more than just a caution before the Blues made it 3-0 in the 76th minute.

Following a corner, Nolan struck a shot from just outside the area which Oxley once again failed to hold. Jackson was quickest to react and slammed it low under the keeper and into the net for his seventh of the campaign.

Norris was forced into his first serious save of the afternoon in the 80th minute, the on-loan Wolves man doing well to come off his line to block from Humphrys.

Soon after, Judge shot wide with the Blues continuing to look for goals, despite their comfortable lead.

But in the 83rd minute Southend pulled a goal back. Ex-Blues’ youngster Ralph crossed deep from the left and sub Acquah bundled the ball home at the far post.

In injury time, Nolan flicked a header well wide from a Jackson cross from the right, then Demetriou shot wide from distance for the home team.

Having been the better side before the break and got their lead, the Blues withstood an improved display from the Shrimpers in the early stages of the second and then sealed the victory with two goals in six minutes via the impressive and hard-working Norwood and Jackson. From there, the result was never in any doubt despite Acquah’s late goal.

The Blues are back at the top of the table, albeit on goal difference from Wycombe, who won 1-0 at Rotherham. Peterborough in third are two points behind having rescued a late 2-2 draw at Coventry. Town have a game in hand on both the Chairboys and Posh.

Town are next in action a week on Tuesday at Rochdale, expelled Bury having been scheduled to play at Portman Road next Saturday.

Southend: Oxley, Kiernan, Dieng, Shaughnessy, Bwomono, Milligan (Demetriou 84), Hutchinson, Ralph, Cox, Hopper (Acquah 71), Humphrys. Unused: Bishop, Hyam, Goodship, Taylor, Rush.

Town: Norris, Vincent-Young (Wilson 59), Woolfenden, Chambers (c), Garbutt, Skuse (Nolan 28), Downes, Rowe (Judge 68), Edwards, Norwood, Jackson. Unused: Holy, Georgiou, Huws, Keane. Referee: Andy Davies (Hampshire). Att: 8,632 (Town: 2,450).


Photo: Pagepix



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thechangingman added 17:05 - Oct 26
Phew! Normal service has been resumed.

What a time to be alive.

COYB...
8

cat added 17:08 - Oct 26
Little doubt that this fixture came at the right time. Back in our rightful place at the top (lol), good to see our strikers bagging some.
10

martin587 added 17:08 - Oct 26
Good performance.Three points well deserved.Well done lads.First time I've been home before 17.15.Roll on Rochdale.👍Great support again.well done.
11

TimmyH added 17:10 - Oct 26
Good to get back to winning ways against a poor Southend side, just a shame we have bit of a break again but maybe time to reflect since the International break. Good to see Norwood knocking a few in. Only qualm I still have is that some of the peripheral midfielders in the squad still need to step up.

Well done lads and nice to get back on top!
14

Nobbysnuts added 17:24 - Oct 26
Great result boys. Didnt think it would be as easy as people thought. Great to see Norwood bang in a couple. Now hopefully he is fully fit we will see the best of him. Great support again and back to the summit where we belong.coyb!!!!!
6

dirtydingusmagee added 17:25 - Oct 26
yes good to get that result, but as TimmyH said i think one or two players need to up their game. We still have long periods of games when we look vulnerable just dont seem to manage to keep the opposition under pressure, Given that we are now in lower league i think we should be more convincing, However we got the result we are back on top and that is something to savour . UP THE TOWN
10

DifferentGravy added 17:28 - Oct 26
Get in! Potential banana skin avoided.

Any of you who doubted the signing of Norwood can see how important he is to us. Yes, he may miss some but he has ability, creates chances and SCORES GOALS.

Have a good saturday evening all!
13

RegencyBlue added 17:29 - Oct 26
We needed that!

Southend are pants but we couldn't take a result against them for granted after the last two shockers.

12

Suffolkboy added 17:36 - Oct 26
Such wins give space and time for the underperformers to improve ,and contribute to greater and more telling effect .Little doubt PL and Co recognise the areas of disappointment ,but just how they nurse and cajole some to bring more to the squad and pitch is just what good Managers and Coaches are employed and paid to do !
Fairly obvious PL will ‘gloss over ‘ the lesser aspects publicly ,but no doubt they will be stretching their imagination and skills to get us into a squad with reliable strengths and resolve who can capitalise rather better on what is created ,and capable of restricting opposition wherever and whenever .
PL has created energy and willingness throughout ,now he will look to take the next step up ; and no doubt will already be making detailed assessments of individuals ,their application , potential for improvement ,or / and for moving out !
No resting on laurels ,lots more to come !
COYB
6

Blueballs83 added 17:37 - Oct 26
Good performance against a terrible side. Still not convinced Lambert is fielding his best team, but did the job today. It does worry me though when playing against better sides as we saw on Wednesday. Again he started with very little creativity in the middle before Nolan improved things. Skuse and Downes are both too defensive to play together in a 442. Only one should play in the middle with Hues or Nolan. Rowe and Edwards are not our best wingers. Although Edwards was slightly better today compared to Wednesday, I would still rather Georgeo is given a run in the team on the left. He has shown enough quality in his caneos to deserve a chance. If Edwards is going to play it has to be on the right in the place of Rowe. Rowe has done little in a town shIrt to warrent a starting place and I don't think he's good enough even for this league. Although we were much better playing 442 today, the formation is preventing us playing with our most creative players on the pitch at the same time. Is there not a way for Hues, Nolan, Georgeo and Judge to be on the field together?
5

jas0999 added 17:39 - Oct 26
Good result against poor opposition, but a much needed win nonetheless. Norwood made a difference and defence looked reasonably solid throughout, despite conceding that late consolation.

Overall, it's great to be back to winning ways. Away form looks great, much better than the home record.
8

Bluearmy_81 added 18:17 - Oct 26
Great, well in Town. Have to go up this season, no ifs, no buts, massive season.
3

Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:30 - Oct 26
Glad about the win, but I wouldn't call it convincing. The test will come soon when we have to play teams like Wycombe, Coventry, Bristol, Oxford, and Portsmouth (not necessarily in that order). If we come through that lot relatively unscathed, I really will begin to believe. I think we will need to be more solid, compact and creative though if that is to happen. COYB!
11

Dissboyitfc added 18:46 - Oct 26
Didnt go today, but on wednesday we looked like a team of strangers. It didnt sound great again today, how much is all this down to the chopping and changing of the starting 11. i dont think it helps!

Last season we had played well in games and got nothing, this season we are winning and top of the division without playing well. Obviously i prefer winning to losing, as we all do! But i want to see better performances, we just havent been convincing imo.

Anyway after the Rugby the town win and hopefully the tractor girls will do the business against norwich tomorrow, then it will be a great weekend of results, hopefully Man utd will beat norwich too and beat them well!
6

herfie added 18:51 - Oct 26
Great, much needed, result to reward brilliant travelling support. No doubt reverting to 4-4-2, and having both Norwood and Jackson reunited up front, probably won us the match. Must be said, however, that overall performance was patchy, and the aim must be to achieve a higher level of consistency, whereby we impose ourselves more convincingly - no matter what standard the opposition.

Time must be right for PL to decide on his first-choice Core starting set-up - Nolan's performance today, vice Skuse, must give massive food for thought. Similarly, Edwards' and Rowe's recent showings, but for different reasons.

But, for now, let's enjoy today's result, and the fact that we sit on top of tree. COYB!
9

BlueArrow added 19:18 - Oct 26
Was never in doubt.
3

ShropshireBluenago09 added 19:24 - Oct 26
Good win and shows how important Norwood is to us. 4-4-2 is ok against weaker sides but still think 3-5-2 is better v stronger sides.
2

ITFCsince73 added 20:18 - Oct 26
Definitely not a great performance. Still have under performers.
We won't face weaker competition this season.
Southend missing a dozen squad regulars. More a Southend “B” team today.
Huffed and puffed to another win.
With all the players at our disposal, and some quality players still to feature.
We have to improve, not results, but some individual performances are below what's expected.


7

RobsonWark added 20:33 - Oct 26
W
1

RobsonWark added 20:37 - Oct 26
Who was at fault for Southends goal? Chambers totally missed his headed clearance that let the ball through to the Southend player to tap in. Please someone tell me how and why Chambers keep getting picked week in week out when all the other players get rotated.
5

RobsonWark added 20:43 - Oct 26
Is PL in with the betting syndicate too? Really? The football league really need to look into this. It's a disgrace. The old Liverpool keeper Bruce Grobbelaar all those years ago was found our for match fixing for far more than this. Today people bet on all sorts of things like how many corners you concede, how many throw ins, first player to give away a goal...
-6

RobsonWark added 20:45 - Oct 26
I meant Bruce Grobbelaar all those years ago was found our for match fixing for far less than this.
0

ITFCsince73 added 20:51 - Oct 26
Robsonwark. Chambo plays because he's the captain.
He doesn't play because he's good enough.
I've excepted that while he's at the club, he plays.

He's made trademark howlers throughout season so far.
Never gets pulled on them.
1st name on the team sheet....odd...but fact.
4

1psw1ch added 20:57 - Oct 26
Thank god we are back to winning again ,,,also we know how you saints fans feel but nice that another 9 nil has happened so we not the only team now to take it
4

Linkboy13 added 21:15 - Oct 26
This league is poor but im not convinced we look good enough to go up. Don't think ive seen many worse teams than Southend . We have to find a settled team and stop worrying about other teams formations we just don't look compact as Rotherham were the other night.
5


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