The lowdown on Town’s resurgent rivals ahead of big basement battle
AN EXPERT’S EYE VIEW ON SOUTHEND AS LEAGUE TWO’S BOTTOM SIDES GO HEAD-TO-HEAD AT BLUNDELL PARK
They have given themselves a real fighting chance of staying up now Southend Echo reporter, Chris
Phillips
THE bottom two in League Two go head to head tomorrow as Grimsby Town welcome Southend United to Blundell Park. Things are tight at the bottom of the table heading into this weekend’s crucial encounter, with goal difference keeping the Mariners in the relegation zone, while the Shrimpers sit just a point behind them.
And the two sides have had contrasting fortunes in recent weeks, with Town plunging further into trouble, while Southend have given themselves renewed hope of survival with four wins in their last six games. Ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Blundell Park, we’ve spoken to the Southend Echo’s chief sports reporter Chris Phillips to get the lowdown on Town’s opponents, and how they’ve managed to turn things around in recent weeks…
How have Southend fared since the sides last met?
“Southend have done well since that night. They’ve won two of the four games and also got a draw at Mansfield to continue their recent rejuvenation. After such a torrid start to the season, things are starting to look more positive.”
What has been key to Southend’s upturn recently?
“I think there a few factors really. The transfer embargo was removed and that meant Mark Molesley was able to call upon more members of his squad while also bringing others into it as well.
“There has also been a change of style. Earlier on in the season Southend were perhaps trying to be too pretty with their play but they’re much harder to beat now.
They work hard to stay in games and then look to take whatever chances come their way.”
Who is the danger man/men for Saturday?
“It would be hard to pick a dangerman but Reeco Hackett-Fairchild scored a great goal on his debut last week so he immediately springs to mind. He went off injured in the second half though and we’re still waiting to find out how bad that is. James Olayinka, who is on loan from Arsenal, is a good player too and Ashley Nathaniel-George has done well lately as well.”
Greg Halford scored on his debut against Grimsby after training with the
Mariners – how has he got on since then?
“Since that night he’s had three more appearances off the bench before he started against Barrow at the weekend and was sent off. His initial one month contract at the club has now expired so we are still waiting to find out what will happen next, but Mark Molesley has said he is keen for Greg to stay.”
How will Southend Saturday’s game?
approach
“I would imagine it would be the same way as the last few games really. I think they will make themselves hard to break down, will
look to stay in the game and then aim to make the most of the chances that come their way.”
How would you rate Southend’s chances of staying up now?
“There’s certainly more chance than there was a few weeks ago! At the start of December, Southend were eight points from safety and I think most people would have already been fearing the worst.
“Four wins from six games has closed that gap to one point and they have given themselves a real fighting chance of staying up now.”