Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Brentwood In The FA Trophy At Edgar Street On Saturday 16th November At 3.00pm

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Southend Match Preview

Bobo takes a look at Saturday's game at Southend.

The Bulls travel to Roots Hall on Saturday looking to continue their improved form of the last couple of matches. It will be the first trip to Southend for the Bulls since the 89/90 season, when the hosts when up from Division Four and the Bulls occupied a familiar 17th place. In March 1990 Southend beat the Bulls 2-0, following up their 3-0 win at Edgar Street earlier in the season. It was their fifth straight win, last losing to the Bulls at Roots Hall in the FA Cup in 1980.

Southend's pre-season play-off expectations have fallen away somewhat after four successive defeats, including a 5-2 loss to Walsall and a 4-2 loss to Leyton Orient. They lie below the Bulls in the table having scored fewer goals. Their only win so far came at home to Peterboro on the opening day. Veteran strikers Paul Furlong and Dougie Freedman, combined age 73, have only Freedman's debut goal last weekend between them this season.

The Bulls third formation tweak of the season has yet to be tested on the road after securing four points from six at the last two home matches. Bradley Hudson-Odoi is the, for many, surprise top scorer so far with three goals but his ability to pounce on loose balls in the box is one that is often priceless and the early season doubts over his ability have been swiftly written off.

Southend United vs Hereford United, Roots Hall, Saturday 13th September, 3.00pm.