At last! Shrimpers fans have something to celebrate as Southend soared into the next round of the League Cup after a brilliant second half display against Stevenage.
After a horrific 3-1 defeat to Blackpool 3 days prior, Blues picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and saw off Dino Maamria’s struggling Stevenage side thanks to a brilliant brace from youngster Charlie Kelman.
It was obvious that Bond would alter the combination up top, after labelling Simon Cox and Stephen Humphrys’ performances as ‘shocking’ following the Blackpool drubbing. Therefore, Cox retained his place in the starting XI, alongside Kelman resulting in Humphrys being sidelined.
Another alteration made by Bond was a change of formation, returning to the fans’ favourite 4-4-2. Previous attempts of using a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 system were largely unsuccessful for Bond’s side, causing much disappointment among fans and question marks over the manager’s thought processes.
However, his realisation and attitude to change the system into a 4-4-2 against Stevenage should be massively appreciated by Shrimpers fans and this time out, it seemed to suit the side brilliantly. Veteran and Australian captain Mark Milligan favours a holding midfield role, allowing him to spray passes all over the field and clean up right in front of the Blues back line, which gave Sam Mantom the freedom to get forward at the opposition from the midfield role. It must be said that Milligan’s experience is evident in his play and his passing range is as good as you’ll get at League One level. He leads by example and is a very worthy captain.
Blues fans believe that bringing in an attacking, creative midfielder is essential and will take the squad to the next level, links with Olly Lee and Ethan Hamilton have been raised with no real effect or substance.
An improved performance from Stephen McLaughlin allowed for some nice play down Southend’s left flank. Behind him, Nathan Ralph continues to impress and both combined very well for Kelman’s second of the evening. The forward play from Kevin Bond’s side was very impressive and showed what the players are capable of, unlike the miserable first couple of games of the new campaign.
There is obviously weaknesses that need to be addressed in the side. Ones that have haunted Southend for a long time now, and these are issues with the back line. Shockingly, Blues last kept a clean sheet in their 4-0 win against Bradford City on January 19th. This is an issue Kevin Bond will need to address. They are continuously guilty of gifting opportunities to the opposition and often having to fight an uphill battle after conceding the first goal.
But this is not a time for complaining, Southend have won their first League Cup tie since 2010. To put that into context, match-winner Charlie Kelman was 8 years old at the time of our last league cup victory. This must be built upon at Sincil Bank on Saturday!
words Leon Imber, Southend United writer
