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TV times as cameras focus on the Shrimpers
"THE road to Wembley starts now."
Presenter George Gavin told it how it was as Southend United's play-off challenge got under way in front of Sky's television cameras on Friday night.
The first of 15 matches across three divisions, all being shown live, the Blues' clash with Doncaster Rovers received the usual hype from the satellite broadcaster.
Alongside Gavin sat "expert" Peter Beagrie, the former Everton, Bradford City and Scunthorpe winger.
"Southend have not been beaten in their last 10 home games," he observed.
"They are formidable at home. They score a lot of goals and have it in their armoury to go forward.
"Southend and Leeds United are the two form sides going into the play-offs, so it's going very close to call."
Gavin then told viewers that the Blues were the bookmakers' outsiders to gain promotion.
"That's strange because the teams that finish sixth are usually the ones with the momentum," he said, adding that Southend's recent history had been "like a seaside rollercoaster".
Coverage then switched to Roots Hall - labelled a "tight little ground" by Gavin - where Leeds manager Gary McAllister had taken his seat in the directors' box.
Commentators Alan Parry and former Nottingham Forest striker Gary Birtles took over the reins.
Before kick-off Parry explained that, had the four play-off teams been involved in a mini-league, the quartet would have all finished on nine points, with three wins and three defeats each.
And with that, the game kicked off.
After 10 minutes of cut-and-thrust, but little goalmouth action, Parry summed up proceedings: "We've had a high-powered start as expected.
"Southend are no strangers to end-of-season drama. Mid-table mediocrity just isn't for them."
Birtles was clearly impressed with the home side's opening.
"You would think Southend are favourites with the run Doncaster have been on coming into it.
"I think we will see an absolute cracker here. Both are good footballing teams and are very positive."
On 20 minutes, Mark Gower came close to giving Southend the lead, only to be denied by Neil Sullivan.
"He's a good player and that's proof of it," said Parry.
Eight minutes later it was Doncaster's turn to come close, but Matthew Mills could only head wide from six yards.
Birtles could not believe his eyes: "What a chance that was! Anything either side of the keeper was in."
Having gone in goalless at half-time, the Blues came out firing after the break, with James Walker curling just wide on 48 minutes.
"That was Southend's best chance," said Parry.
And after missing it, Doncaster took control and should have gone ahead on 65 minutes when Darryl Flahavan rushed from his goal to deny Jason Price.
"That's a terrific save. He made himself really big," enthused Birtles.
And the former England man was even more excitable when Rovers striker Paul Heffernan was sent-off for headbutting Charlie Mulgrew with three minutes remaining.
"That's stupid. What's he thinking of there? Mulgrew didn't go down but it's still a headbutt. It's ridiculous," he said.
Soon after the final whistle sounded and viewers were taken back to the studio to hear Beagrie's post-match analysis.
"It's still all to play for but I've got to go with Doncaster," was his verdict.
7:26pm Monday 12th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Howard Southwood, Retirement on 11:48am Tue 13 May 08
Phil Gridelet is GOD you know.
Phil Gridelet is GOD you know.
Posted by: maninasuitcase, chalkwell on 11:54am Tue 13 May 08
Yawn, slow day on the sports desk yesterday?
Yawn, slow day on the sports desk yesterday?
Posted by: Howard Southwood, Retirement on 11:59am Tue 13 May 08
Ridiculous when you consider that no fewer than 4 cats were stuck up trees.
Ridiculous when you consider that no fewer than 4 cats were stuck up trees.
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