Southend beaten by Tranmere

Friday, 27 November 2009

THE joy of Southend United’s Friday night’s win over MK Dons was quickly banished by a 2-0 defeat to bottom club Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday.

The Blues fell behind after just 10 minutes before Terry Gornell sealed the win and Southend’s fifth consecutive away defeat.

Manager Steve Tilson felt his team is being hampered by not having a settled side.

He said: “We just need to try and get some consistency in the team selection like we had a few years ago. Right now it’s very bitty and, especially in defence, we’re changing things every week.”

Included in those changes on Tuesday was the arrival of Scott Malone on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The young left-back only met his team mates during the pre-match meal, but replaced Johnny Herd in the starting line up, while Sean Morrison also returned to the defence after his suspension.

It was perhaps the shuffle around at the back that led to Southend conceding so early. Gornell headed a corner back across goal and Ian Goodison nipped in to score with only 10 minutes played.

Morrison and Lee Barnard went close for the visitors without really threatening.

Rovers, who had only picked up three wins in 17 games before Tuesday, exuded the most pressure in the early part of the second half, but it was Southend who came closest to scoring.

Adam Barrett’s header from debutant Malone’s corner was well saved by Luke Daniels in the home goal.

Then came the sucker punch for the Shrimpers on 72 minutes when Gornell poked home from Shaleum Logan’s cross.

Southend are without a game this Saturday, which will allow Tilson’s players some much needed rest before welcoming Norwich City to Roots Hall next Tuesday night.

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