Desperate Dons get Robbed by Theo
SOUTHEND manager Chris Powell insists he is starting to regret not using Theo Robinson sooner after deepining MK Dons’ woes.
The Shrimpers striker bagged a hat-trick in a routine win that leaves the Dons six points from safety.
And Powell was quick to praise the 29year-old, who became the first Southend player in six years to score three goals in the same game.
“Theo’s a finisher and he’s always in the right place but sometimes I look at him and wonder if I should’ve played him earlier,” said Powell.
“It was a good performance and I was very pleased for Theo.
“The fans couldn’t have asked for much more but I would’ve been happy with an ugly 1-0 win if I’m honest.
“I’m pleased we’ve bounced back from last week’s defeat at Oxford and the way it’s going at the moment I wish we could play all of our games at Roots Hall.
“No matter who we’re playing we fancy our chances here and this is another good win.”
Dons’ plight may be bleak but boss Dan Micciche is refusing to give up hope of survival.
“We’ll keep going, because we owe that to the club and our supporters,” said Micciche.
“I apologised to them after the game for that performance but I don’t think I’m out of my depth.
“I was nominated for manager of the month two weeks ago.
“It’s up and down, highs and lows.
“Any manager anywhere will go through difficult times but I think I know what it takes to turn this around, whether it’s this season or next.”
The visitors never looked like troubling their hosts.
Powell’s side opened the scoring on 23 minutes when Robinson fired home after Dons goalkeeper Wieger Sietsma had parried a powerful shot from Dru Yearwood.
Robinson was celebrating again in the 31st minute when he curled home a delightful effort from the left hand side of the penalty area.
Dons striker Chuks Aneke then wasted a fine chance to get his side back in to the game when he fired wide of the left post from 12 yards.
And Southend were able to take full advantage with Stephen McLaughlin heading home a left wing freekick from Michael Kightly in the 62nd minute.
The hosts then wrapped up the scoring in the 76th minute with Robinson powering home from close range to complete his hattrick.