SOUTHEND United take on Notts County in the National League this weekend.

But 30 years ago the two teams memorably clashed in the second tier of English football.

The match will forever be etched in Roots Hall folklore as it saw Stan Collymore making his Shrimpers debut.

However, it was also a memorable afternoon for his strike partner Steve Brown.

The young forward headed home the first goal of his professional career that afternoon.

And it is still a game Brown recalls with real fondness.

“Nowadays I can’t remember why I’ve walked into the kitchen but I can still remember everything about that Notts County game,” said Brown.

“On the morning of the game I was really nervous because I knew I had about 10 people coming to watch me.

“I was like a ticket tout in the dressing room trying to get all the tickets off the lads.

“I also remember there was a letter on the table from my old headmaster at King Edmund School Mr Caldicott wishing me all the very best and saying the school were very proud.

“That relaxed me a bit but then also made me nervous because I didn’t want to let them down.”

However, Brown had no need to worry as he was soon celebrating putting the Shrimpers in front.

“Andy Edwards was near the half way line and he put a really high ball into the box if I remember correctly,” said Brown.

“I gambled and ran in thinking I was going to get clattered by the goalkeeper but he stayed on his line and I’ve glanced it in off my head.

“After that I loved every minute.

“Stan took over with the ability he had and scored two brilliant goals.

“It was a brilliant day and you never forget your first goal.”

Collymore went on to shine for the Shrimpers on a regular basis.

And Brown loved linking up with the future England international.

“The power, pace, the touch, his movement - you just knew he was going to go on like he did,” said Brown, 48.

“He was really good to me too.

“I was the kid in the team and he looked after me on the pitch.

“Experienced defenders could try and intimidate a youngster but Stan would always stick up for me, even though he was only a couple of years older than me.

“We ended up being room-mates for away games too.”

However, Collymore's performances were slightly less impressive at Boots & Laces.

“Stan wasn’t the best trainer,” said Brown.

“If there was a run he would be at the back and if we were doing finishing he would be hitting the trees but when it came to games he was just absolutely phenomenal.

“We all saw it from that first game against Notts County.”

But fewer fans than normal witnessed the game.

“We were supposed to have a good crowd that day but fans were outside demonstrating so there were only about 3,000 there,” said Brown.

“But I absolutely loved my time at Southend.

“I was brought up in Rochford and my dad would always take me to Southend games when I was six or seven years of age.

“I’m a Liverpool supporter but I’ll always regard Southend as my local team and still look out for the results every week.”

Brown scored twice in 12 games for Blues before leaving in the summer of 1993, something which hit the striker hard.

“I was devastated when things went a bit south for me,” said Brown.

“I was 14 when I signed as a schoolboy.

“I had two years as an apprentice and then got into the first team at 18.

“I really was devastated when the situation changed for me after that.

“I joined Colchester and, although I’m not sure I should be saying this to a Southend supporter, I did enjoy there too.”

And Brown made a successful start to his spell with the U’s.

“I played up front with Steve McGavin and Roy McDonough and really hit the ground running considering how disappointed I was leaving Southend,” said Brown.

“I scored seven or eight goals in my first seven or eight games and there were comments about clubs being interested in me.

“There was a bit in the paper saying Wimbledon were keen but Colchester wanted £250,000 for me so the figures were outrageous for someone who was 19.

“My career could’ve gone somewhere after that but there was something just missing to get to that next level.”

Brown also went on to play for Gillingham, Lincoln, Macclesfield and Dover.

But it was at Blues where he first learnt his trade.

“I owe a lot to Danny Greaves and he taught me a hell of a lot when I was at Southend,” said Brown.

“One training session Jimmy Greaves turned up and gave us tips and I remember just thinking, wow!

“It was a great time.”

However, Brown now rarely mentions his playing days.

“I don’t really ever talk about it to be honest,” said Brown.

“The parents in my lad’s team didn’t know I played but one mentioned it and asked me to do a training session not so long ago.

“They asked who I played with so I immediately mentioned Chris Powell and Stan Collymore.

“The kids haven’t got a clue who I’m talking about but the parents do and they ask what they’re like.

“It takes you back really and you think I didn’t do too badly.”

In more recent times however, the Shrimpers have failed to hit the heights of the early 1990s and now find themselves in the National League, much to the disappointment of Brown.

“I’ve been gutted to see how it’s gone the last few years,” said Brown.

“I played in the Conference so I know how difficult it is.

“It’s so hard to get out of it and I really hope they won’t be one of those clubs who stays there for years.

“It’s upsetting because it’s such a big area and it’s a shame what’s happened.

“But they’re battling away and I hope that continues.”

However, Brown is no longer living locally.

“I live in Cheshire now,” said Brown.

“I work hard, I’m married with two kids and lead a good life.

“I’m a middle manager in a big company in Manchester and Stockport is my nearest club so I’ll be there on Saturday.”

Watch highlights from Blues' memorable win against Notts County here