Southend United v Luton Town 25/4

[Kenneth E End]

This is a massive game for many reasons. First of all, Luton need to avoid defeat at the very least to have a realistic chance of sneaking into the play offs on the last day of the season. Southend also, have big ambitions of jumping into that final automatic promotion place rather than end up in the lottery of the play offs.

Luton have had a bit of a lift of late. Yes, the results weren't always coming, but good performances will often bring good results in time. Hartlepool were appalling, however in the first 25 minutes, Luton put them to the sword brutally, and really should've had more to show for their efforts in that time. They took their foot off the gas second half, and against better sides we'd need to put two good halves together.

Southend are on a terrific run of form of late - not conceding at home for 11 games. Extraordinary record. A tipster would ordinarily go for a home banker, but Luton will be very competitive. Around 2,300 away tickets had been sold prior to the game; will make for a good atmosphere. I've got my ticket - looking forward to it.

 

[BelizeHatter]

I think we need a win, as matching Plymouth isn't enough due to goal difference so I doubt a draw will be useful. Have a funny feeling we could pull it off - but unsure if this a true feeling or just the eternal optimism of a football fan!!!

Southend are in blistering form so if we can produce a decent performance for the whole game should be a cracker.

 

[Ross Luton Town]

Cant wait for this one, think we need to win, but that wont be easy especially given Southends home form of late!

Should be a good drink anyway down on the coast, shame the decent weather doesnt look like lasting to much!

Optimistic part of me says 1-0 Luton. Elliot Lee with it to send us into a different world!

 

[Chippy]

That stat about not conceding at home in 11 games is false.

 

[Vanni]

That stat about not conceding at home in 11 games is false.

You're right Chippy. Think Wycombe held them to a 2-2(?) draw a few weeks back.

 

[Ross Luton Town]

That stat about not conceding at home in 11 games is false.

Indeed, just had a look and they drew 2-2 against Wycombe only 5 games ago! Amazing how stats can get out of hand!

Anyway, im off to bed, long day on the beer tomorrow!

 

[Kim Mitten]

It's Daniel Bentley who hasn't conceded in 11 consecutive home matches, he missed the Wycombe game and also Accrington who scored past Ted Smith.

 

[Judge Dredd]

I think we need a win, as matching Plymouth isn't enough due to goal difference so I doubt a draw will be useful.

Disagreed. 'Muff have got Shrewsbury away on the last day, who may well still have the title to play for. Even if they don't, their home record is ridiculous this season. If we get a point tomorrow, I'd be pretty hopeful that the Shrews would turn Plymouth over - meaning even if/when Plymouth beat Tranmere tomorrow, 4 points from the last two would be enough for the play-offs.

I'd bite your hand off for a 0-0 right now and a nervous last day with one ear glued to the radio (been a long, long time since we've had one of those seasons...).

 

[mowgli]

You're right Chippy. Think Wycombe held them to a 2-2(?) draw a few weeks back.

Yeah we did, they even let Stevie Craig score and not many teams have done that this season.

 

[BelizeHatter]

Oh well that's the Top 7 set, just where they fall. Good luck to all seven. For us we're done. Reasonable season, promised more than we were capable of delivering, but a good grounding for next year where with two or three additions hopefully we can step up to the next level to challenge for promotion.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Well that's that then, bit disappointed we haven't got a realistic shot at anything on the final game of the season given how were set 2 months or so ago but overall a decent season back.

Personally think it's more than "2 or 3" required but agree there is a reasonably good place to start for next season.

 

[Shrimpurh]

Good game yeah we won by a goalkeeping error but we were the team putting on the pressure. Some luton fan said on our forum their fans aren't no trouble pffffttt never seen sore losers like it, causing non stop rows. Pathetic

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Not even your own?

Not like Southend fans have been saints this year is it?

 

[Kenneth E End]

Question - if all supporters are searched, how do multiple smoke bombs get smuggled into the ground? Embarresing isn't the word. Yes, a number of Luton supporters were idiots too, but a number of Southend "fans" were hardly angels today! And to those who thought ruining a minutes silence was big or clever, you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Onto the game - don't think we deserved to lose. Always felt Justham's handling at times was a bit susceptible, but he's been very good of late and signed a new 2 year contract yesterday.

Thought the red card was an awful decision, as Whalley was 25-30 yards from goal, right of centre and definitely not in an obvious goalscoring position.

 

[Judge Dredd]

Yeah the red card was harsh, very harsh, although we were due one of those given some of the decisions we've had. I felt there was only winner after that, we were dominant until the freak goal which absolutely killed us mentally and we never looked like equalising against a very solid defence.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing... Tyler was fit and on the bench, it would have been harsh to drop Justham but Tyler is our indisputed number 1 and if he is between the sticks, that goal never happens and it finishes 0-0 at worst.

Oh well, we aren't good enough ultimately so a rebuild in the summer will do us better long term. Besides, League One looks shit next year, all northern away trips...

 

[Chippy]

Hahaha. Pot kettle black. Your boys standing in the stand by the corner shouldn't be giving the slit throat sign for 90 mins. Anyone who got hit deserved what they got. Fact.

 

[Cheese & Biscuits]

Question - if all supporters are searched, how do multiple smoke bombs get smuggled into the ground? Embarresing isn't the word.

Of course, it's not even a word to begin with.

 

[Judge Dredd]

Hahaha. Pot kettle black. Your boys standing in the stand by the corner shouldn't be giving the slit throat sign for 90 mins. Anyone who got hit deserved what they got. Fact.

Yeah... don't want to go too far, but given Southend's history this season, they should really be careful about who they mouth off to.

 

[BelizeHatter]

Good game yeah we won by a goalkeeping error but we were the team putting on the pressure. Some luton fan said on our forum their fans aren't no trouble pffffttt never seen sore losers like it, causing non stop rows. Pathetic

Really. One fan. On a forum.Basis for whole Club. mwahhaaaa.

 

[Look Out There Are Llamas]

Made it to this game. I'll tell you what, if Southend make a couple of additions (possibly a centre back and a striker) and keep hold of Bentley, I can see them pushing for League One play-offs next season. Was surprised how good they were.