Struggling Southend slump to another defeat at the hands of Peterborough and this is a very tough pill to swallow for the sea siders.
The first half saw a relatively even match up, with Southend carving the best opportunity as Brandon Goodship cut inside his left flank to see his shot fly wide from close range. This was about as good as it got for Kevin Bond’s side who were quick to lose their foothold on the match early in the second half, conceding two goals in two minutes.
The blues’ defence has been a real horror show of late, and the inability to keep a clean sheet is infuriating for all involved. The Shrimpers’ defence have fallen guilty of losing concentration and letting their heads drop after conceding the first goal, this is evident as, on 3 occasions this season, Southend have conceded 2 goals within 10 minutes of one another. Bond addressed the issue with the statement:
“It’s weighing heavy on everyone. We are trying very hard to keep a clean sheet but we’re unable to do it. Am I going to play none up front and sit back and soak it up? I don’t know.”
Many would agree that this is a peculiar quote and one that is frightening for Southend fans. To even contemplate playing nobody in attack is, at best laughable; pretty accurately summing up Southend United in recent times.
It’s very clear that Bond is trying to install a new style of play into this side, playing out from defence and trying to create an opening through slow, progressive build up play. The issue lies with where the passes are being played and where the risks are being taken. There are many occurrences where the blues defence invite pressure upon themselves with questionable passes across the backline which ultimately result in frantic clearances, completely defeating the purpose of attempting the slow build up play. When Southend do get the ball in the opposition half, the play produced is equally as frustrating. Too many times already this season blues have entered promising positions in the opposing half, only to retreat and play the ball back into defence. There is no real creativity in the side and no cutting edge. This is also evident through the fact that in Southend’s first four games of the league one campaign, not a single player has yet got on the scoresheet. This is a huge concern for Bond’s struggling shrimpers and fans are beginning to lose patience.
Obviously, at 4 games in, it is very early to call for the sacking of a manager. However, in Southend’s circumstances at this moment, the calls for his head are not necessarily misplaced.
The Shrimpers are now the only side in the English football league yet to register a point in the standings, leaving them sitting in a very glum 22nd position in the table, only above Bolton and Bury who are serving a -12 point deduction as a consequence of their financial troubles.
Bond’s interviews also raise some eyebrows as he controversially criticises players publicly. It is painfully obvious that Stephen Humphrys and Stephen Mclaughlin are suffering a severe lack of confidence. With both being criticised openly previously, we can be easily led to believe that Bond’s antics could be playing a part in their dip in form.
Unfortunately, it is a depressing time to be a shrimper at this moment. Results are very hard to come by and the same problems seem to be resurfacing game after game. It is incredibly frustrating for blues fans that Bond cannot find his best side and a formation that suit them, and as the games go by, more points are being dropped and Southend fall to more disappointment. Chairman Ron Martin has stated that he does not want a repeat of last season’s relegation scares. At this moment in time, his club seems to be heading one way and it is not a favourable direction, it may just be approaching the time that he needs to pull the trigger.
Worrying times ahead for the sea siders.
words Leon Imber, Southend United writer