Competitive football returned to Roots Hall for the first time since Stephen Humphrys’ heroic match winner vs Sunderland. Both of Bond’s two wins last season came at home, leaving many shrimpers to be optimistic about the season ahead. However this optimism turned to realism after just nine minutes when Harry Lennon’s own goal gave Blackpool the lead in unfortunate circumstances. Following a Blackpool freekick, debutant Liam Ridgewell failed to head the ball away, falling to Mark Oxley, who under pressure from two Blackpool players could only half-heartedly punch the ball into the Harry Lennon’s calf before bouncing back into the net.
It was clear to see that this goal affected blues. The team have kept just two clean sheets in 2019, the latest being January 26th in a 4-0 win vs bottom of the league Bradford, a run equalling 27 games (including preseason). Things turned from bad to worse just three minutes later when Stephen Humphrys’ misplaced pass found Sullay Kaikai in the middle of the park playing a crisp ball past Liam Ridgewell to Nathan Delfouneso who put the Ball over Mark Oxley to make it 2-0. This was frustrating for the home fans who let their feelings known to Kevin Bond’s side. The Essex Side were still slow to get going and on the 28th minute, Blackpool nearly added a third had it not been for a good Mark Oxley save.
Simon Grayson’s men kept pushing though and on the 37th minute awful defending between Liam Ridgewell and Harry Lennon meant Delfouneso added his second. Game over. The first half ended with boos ringing out from the stands.
Speaking to mates at half time, some blamed the formation. However I don’t think that was to blame for the defeat. At Coventry, we learned one up top did not work. Bond opted with a 5-3-2 this week, a difference from the 4-3-3 just 7 days earlier. Cox and Humphrys are our two best strikers available at the moment and were justifiable changes, despite Cox starting his preseason a week and half ago. In his post match conference, Bond labelled the front two “shocking” which was fair despite there being little service for the majority of the game. The gaffer also opted to change his midfield to Mark Milligan, Sam Mantom and Isaac Hutchinson, a welcome change. This midfield however disappointed the fans. Sam Mantom was nowhere to be seen and young Isaac Hutchinson was clearly frustrated after missing a few early chances. This frustration seemed to get the better of him, trying hard to impress instead of playing the simple balls. That said, Hutchinson did take a few good set pieces although I’m sure he’ll be disappointed in his performance. The only player who can hold his head held high was Mark Milligan. The Aussie Xabi Alonso was a silver lining in a disastrous performance. A true leader, Milligan was commanding his team mates where to move and what runs to make, something which he shouldn’t have to do.
It was the defence however that was the biggest problem. As stated, Blues have not kept a cleansheet in 27 games and all three goals today could have been avoided. Five at the back was needed to cope with the threat of Sully Kaikai, Nathan Delfouneso and Armand Gnanduillet. After witnessing one of the best debuts I’ve seen in Nathan Ralph last week it was only fair I got to see one of the worst in Liam Ridgewell today. The former Hull City man was clearly chosen too soon, at fault for at least two of the goals today before being subbed off on the 52nd minute to sarcastic applause.
This game showed the need for a creative midfielder though. If we are to play out from the back, Bond must sign someone who has the intelligence and ability to pick a pass out of nowhere and inspire our strikers to push forward. Layton Ndukwu’s introduction seemed to make some impact down the right hand side but it wasn’t until the 70th minute when Blues started to trouble the Blackpool defence. A disgusting tackle from James Husband on Elvis Bwomono meant he got sent off (despite the linesman not even flagging for a foul!). After a period of corners, Isaac Hutchinson found Harry Lennon who assisted Simon Cox for his first goal of the season. A multitude of shots than attacked the Blackpool defence with Mark Milligan forcing a good save from ‘keeper Jak Alnwick from long range.
Southend kept pushing and in the 93rd minute Theo Robinson missed a header from 3 yards out after Charlie Kelman’s header was rebounded into his path. It was to be the last piece of action as the referee ended the game for Southend to kick off their home campaign with a defeat. Blues were beaten 13 times at home last season, a club record, and everything must be done to ensure this fate isn’t repeated. We go to Stevenage on Tuesday night in hope of our first League Cup win since 2010 before a tough trip to Lincoln, who have won both of their League One games without conceding. Bond must iron out these defensive errors if the club are to push on from last season and avoid relegation. Whatever happens, Southend till I die. UTB.
The SS2 View 