Page 29 - All at Sea Fanzine Issue 68

February 2018
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goal attempt that Oxley couldn’t have anticipated and did well to deny. Posh continued to press and Marriott was as fortunate to nd a low clearance as he was unfortunate to look up and see Mark Oxley charge down his e ort again. John White’s last involvement was to push Marriott away from goal as his studs caught in the turf. Given the recent history of the club’s medical department it’s hoped that the reported six-week break due to ankle ligament damage is a worst case scenario.
As Ferdinand replaced White the boo boys began to clear their throats; old habits die hard. Powell’s only other option on the bench was Harry Kyprianou; when you’ve only had 10 days at the club, some decisions make themselves. Southend weathered a run of three successive corners and surged back into the game as Cox’s shot bent just past the far post. Chances from Kightly and McLaughlin inspired the away fans before Freddie Ladapo’s seemingly obvious penalty was denied only minutes after his introduction. 10 minutes of injury time was put up on the board and 799 arseholes clenched in unison.
Peterborough had probably done enough to deserve a point and in the end only the linesman’s decision protected Southend. Hughes mistimed his run again and his celebrations were cut short immediately as he wheeled away straight into the ag that was raised against him. Some games are won on the front foot, but this was certainly a game won on the back.
After the game Powell described the game as having everything: “I saw a lot of things I hadn’t see yet because it was only my second game. I saw we have character, resilience and that we want to do well for one another. I saw it abundance and I’m very proud of them.”
I’m not sure there is a routine for Southend anymore. Wins from behind, multiple goals, players working hard, passion, determination, grit. Until now these are all adjectives we’ve been wanting to use this season. But I wouldn’t have it any other way, I’m not sure I want a routine.
Liam Ager @realliamager
ON THE ROAD Oldham, Boundary Park
THE coldest ground in the league and a delightful place to visit in late February, Oldham represents the middle one of our three trips to Greater Manchester in a month.
A happy hunting ground for Southend in recent years with wins in our last two visits, you have to go back to 2011 and an infamous FA Cup replay for our last defeat at Boundary Park, when a certain Bilel Mohsni rather blotted his copybook by getting sent o and then heading back on his own on the train.
Away fans are seated behind one goal in the ZenO ce Stand, which has a few pillars running along the front. However, the view is generally good and there’s plenty of opportunity to make a noise. Tickets are priced at £20 for adults.
Being a Saturday, the train is an option and the nearest Metrolink station is Boundary Park, but it is deceptively named as it is a
15-minute hike away. You’ll need to get to Manchester Piccadilly and change for the Metrolink. Tragically, the brilliantly named Oldham Mumps station closed down a few years ago.
You can park at the Oldham Royal Hospital, just down the road from the ground, for £3, or seek out a street parking space. Parking at the ground itself is for permit holders only. Again, Travelzone and the Trust o er coach trips at very reasonable prices.