SOUTHEND UNITED go into tonight`s re-arranged League one clash with Scunthorpe United on the back of the fantastic result against Colchester which made it 3 wins out of 4 for the Essex side.
Vital Quotes:
Steve Tilson singles out Dorian Dervite for the impact that the young French defender has had on the Blues defence, “Dorian has come in and done ever so well for us,” said Tilson.
“No disrespect to Johnny Herd because he did well in the team before Dorian arrived but we are looking more solid with him at the back.’
“He`s made a difference to us at the back and the other lads around him have been doing well too in our defence so hopefully that can continue.” – speaking to the Echo
The Southend boss went on to tell the Echo about Dougie Freedman, who is again missing, “Dougie is improving but this game has just come a bit too early for him,”
“It`s not as serious as it was before but we will keep on monitoring it and hopefully he will back in time for Saturday`s game with Peterborough.” – Steve Tilson talking to the Echo
The Scunthorpe United manager Nigel Adkins is expecting a tough encounter with Southend tonight, ‘It will be a tough game. Southend have been unpredictable because they’ve had a change around in players.
‘They gave us a good game at our place. It’s always tough to go down to Southend.’
‘They play a good passing brand of football and get the crowd behind them.
‘They, like ourselves had a spell in the Championship last year and are desperate to get back up there. We know that every game here on in will be challenging.’ – Nigel Adkins speaking on Iron World
The Blues Team News:
Dougie Freedman(Thigh), Alex Revell(Ankle) are missing, James Walker(Hamstring) has returned to training but this game will have come around too quickly for him to feature.
Player to watch: Dorian Dervite
Dorian Dervite has settled very nicely into the Southend back four, he has brought some much needed confidence and recent results have been better, also a very good outlet for Steve Mildenhall to start the build up from
Dorian will have to be rock solid at the back along with the likes of Peter Clarke to shut out a very in form Gary Hooper.
Scunthorpe United Team News:
Changes are expected for the away side tonight after suspensions and injuries start to kick in.
Scunthorpe are without the services of Cliff Bryne and David Mirfin, both suspended after being sent off in the game against Swindon Town. Also missing are Michael Lee(Hamstring), Marcus Williams(Metatarsal), Kenny Milne(Knee) plus Ben May is not quite ready for a return.
On a brighter note for the Irons they have some new loan signings that may well feature, Left back Joseph Mills should start, and a return to the side for Assistant Manager Andy Crosby is likely.
Teenage defender Jake Picton has been added to the squad, plus the rested trio of Martyn Woolford, Paul Hayes and Garry Thompson will be hoping for recalls.
Player to watch: Gary Hooper
The former Shrimper will be looking to add to his 17 League goals this year; he has been in excellent form recently bagging 5 goals in his last 5 outings.
Of course it also adds some spice playing against his old club where he never really made it – nothing better for him to confirm Southends loss, not his!
Match Facts & Stats
Football League One At Glanford Park on 21-10-2008
Scunthorpe 1 Hayes -79 (PEN)
Southend 1 Barrett 47
Scunthorpe: Murphy ,Byrne ,Mirfin ,Pearce ,Williams ,Sparrow ,McCann ,Togwell ,Woolford ,Hayes (Iriekpen ,89 ) ,Hooper
Subs not used: Lillis,Forte,Hurst,Wright,
Southend:
Federici ,Sankofa ,Clarke ,Barrett ,Francis ,Betsy ,Christophe ,Sawyer (McCormack ,74 ) ,Robson-Kanu ,Barnard (Walker ,61 ) ,Revell (Laurent ,85)
Subs not used Grant,Scannell,
Bookings:
Sparrow (Scunthorpe) Francis ,Sankofa (Southend)
Attendance:
4324
Referee:
Kevin Wright (Cambridgeshire)
Ref Watch:
Ref: Keith D Hill (Hertfordshire)
In his 18 League One matches this season Mr Hill has handed out 18 Yellow cards and 2 Red cards.
Match Prediction:
With both teams favouring an open passing game am expecting goals, Southend are showing some form at last and with Scunthorpe having to field a much changed team I am favouring another win for the Essex boys.
Southend United 2:1 Scunthorpe United
Next Fixtures:
Southend are on the road for the next game and face a tricky match at high flying Peterborough
Leeds away is the next fixture for Nigel Adkins side.
