10:29am Thursday 29th October 2009
By Chris Phillips
SOUTHEND United’s under-18 side returned to winning ways as Harry Crawford’s late strike sealed a 2-1 victory over Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.
Blues began well and, on 13 minutes, Kane Ferdinand came close to netting in successive home matches but his glancing header from James Stevens’ set-piece was scrambled off the goal-line.
Dagenham managed to hold Ricky Duncan’s charges to two draws in the Youth Alliance League during their inaugural season and they continued to hold their own this time around, with James Dunn making a smart save low to his right after a shot had been fired through a crowded penalty area.
Teddy Nesbitt’s raid down the left-hand side saw him clipped by a sliding tackle, but he maintained his balance to square the ball to Crawford from the bye-line although the forward directed his side-foot from close range agonisingly past the left-hand upright.
But, in the 35th minute, Southend took the lead. Julian Okai was denied by the goalkeeper as he attempted to convert Marcus Milner’s teasing cross but the winger quickly pounced on the loose ball to cut back to George Smith, who smashed a rising shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards.
However, Dagenham deservedly equalised on 71 minutes, although the Shrimpers did all they could to repel the pressure.
It took three attempts for the Daggers’ centre-forward to force the ball over the line. First Dunn parried out and then Teddy Nesbitt headed off the goal-line, before a poked effort finally eluding the Shrimpers back-line.
Blues introduced Alex Woodyard and Dwayne Orachi for a combative final quarter-of-an-hour and their presence almost paid dividends immediately as the pair combined to set up Crawford whose attempt from no more than five yards out lacked the strength to cross the goal-line.
But, in the 85th minute, Southend restored their lead as Crawford latched onto Jamie Dennis’ through-ball. The front man neatly rounded the goalkeeper before striking into the empty net from 15 yards, sparking wild celebrations.
During five minutes of stoppage time Dunn saved the Dagenham goalscorer’s 20 yard effort.
Southend United U18s: Dunn; Dennis, Ferdinand, Osifuwa, Nesbitt; Okai (Woodyard 75), Stevens, Smith (Owinja 62), James-Lewis, Milner (Orachi 75); Crawford. Substitute not used: Bentley.
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