SOUTHEND United kick off another FA Cup campaign when they host Chester at Roots Hall tomorrow.

But, whatever drama may unfold this weekend, Blues will find it hard going to match the excitement generated by their 2008/09 cup run.

Back then Steve Tilson’s side held Premier League giants Chelsea to a dramatic 1-1 draw in third round of the competition at Stamford Bridge.

And Peter Clarke’s last gasp header has now been named the Shrimpers’ finest FA Cup moment of all time, receiving 81 per cent of the votes on the Echo’s online poll.

Clarke headed home a deflected Johnny Herd throw to stun a Chelsea side containing the likes of Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Didier Drogba.

And the centre-back, who is now with Championship club Blackpool, also remembers the game, which took place on his 27th birthday, with great fondness.

“The whole day was just absolutely fantastic,” said Clarke.

“Jose Mourinho criticised the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge in an interview the other day but there was no problem with it that day because we took something like 6,000 fans and it was just incredible to see and hear.

“The supporters were a huge credit to the football club that day and out-sang the Chelsea fans all afternoon.

“I remember we travelled up on the day of the game and the boys were all really buoyant on the bus up.

“We obviously had a game plan but deep down if we’re being honest about it we didn’t expect to be able to win there or even draw.

“But the longer it stayed at 1-0, the longer we had a chance. We knew a set piece or a moment of magic could get us something from the game and thankfully that’s how it proved.”

Clarke also proved to be the man who grabbed the equaliser.

And his close range effort came just minutes after he had sent a header against the crossbar.

“I remember thinking at the time that was that our chance,” recalled Clarke.

“But, quite soon after that, there was a break in play and I went to get a drink from the sidelines.

“Our kit man Steve Parmenter was there and he told me I would definitely get another chance and the feeling when it went in was just incredible.”

But the goal may never had happened had Clarke and his central defensive partner, Adam Barrett, not screamed at Osei Sankofa to let Herd take throw.

“Osei had the ball and I just remember Adam and myself screaming at him to leave it alone,” said Clarke.

“Johnny could really hurl a throw in to the box and fortunately for us the defender marking Adam mistimed his jump and flicked the ball right in to my path.

“I always like to joke that it fell to my best foot and fortunately I was able to score.

“It’s my favourite goal I’ve ever scored and I think it always will be too.”

The close range header made it a birthday to remember for Clarke.

But it has also made his birthdays since seem quite insignificant.

“People ask me what I want for my birthday and it’s impossible to try and get another present like that,” said Clarke.

“It puts a few people under pressure to try and come up with something to match it but it was a great day and one everyone connected with Southend will always remember with pride.”

However, the day occasion would not have been quite as memorable had Shrimpers goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall not pulled off a stunning last gasp save to keep out Franco Di Santo’s six yard header which seemed destined to hit the back of the net.

“That save was like Gordon Banks’ from Pele in the World Cup and it should be remembered just as much as my goal,” said Clarke.

“The goal wouldn’t have meant anything if it wasn’t for that and Mildy deserves a lot of praise.”

Blues went on to lose the replay 4-1 at Roots Hall and Clarke opted to leave the club at the end of the season.

But the defender still recalls his spell with Shrimpers with great affection.

“I had a fantastic three years at Southend,” said Clarke.

“I found it hard to settle to start with and the first two or three months were quite difficult when I was living in a hotel.

“Once I got my own place though it was great and I really enjoyed it.

“I knew it was the right time for me to leave but I definitely went from there with a very heavy heart.

“And I would love to see Phil Brown sprinkle some magic on the team there now to get the club on an upward spiral and in at least League One again.”