MATCH DAY THREAD: Southend v The Mighty Blades

[Not_a_Cheat]

Well I was initially very disappointed when we bombed out of the cup - and not appearing in the third round for the first time in something like 28 years! However part of that was that we'd likely have a blank weekend, therefore losing any 'advantage'. However obviously the trip today to Southend gives us that option to play with a 'little' freedom in the knowledge we'll remain top whatever the result. That said, if this is the 'advantage' game, it's one hell of a tough one. Southend unbeaten in 13 I believe and we've already been on the end of a very poor result at their hands this season. However, we are now a completely different prospect to the side that played that night, though it has to be said Southend do appear to be a little bit of a bogey side, even though we haven't played them that often down the years!!!

Anyway...

Any team news?

Carruthers unlikely to be more than a sub?

Clarke likewise?

Otherwise return to the 'recognised' first 11?

Or Lavery starting once more?

Games really can't come quick enough at the moment but this will be a real test considering some of the effective but uninspiring performances of late. Real potential to be a cracking game this afternoon and I can see a few goals, hopefully us edging it of course. So I'll go for 3-2 Blades victory and a safe journey to all.

UTB

 

[PeterNdlovu081]

Are we kidging?

 

[Bridge Blade]

Tough tough fixture. If we get 3 points it would be a fantastic result and I don't think a point would be too bad either.
Coyraww!!

 

[Kenilworth]

Only going for the eels

 

[Houston_Blade]

If Carruthers plays we'll piss it.

 

[zablade]

First game of what for me is the defining run of the season from now to early March.

Tough game, a point would be good all three fantastic.

Going for a 2-2

 

[Stretch]

Tough test today but I think we will just about come through it and by Christ do we owe this lot one.

1-2.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Take care Away Blades - make sure you were them sunglasses

 

[Bladebri]

Carruthers dot_a_Cheat, post: 1190685, member: 17399"]Well I was initially very disappointed when we bombed out of the cup - and not appearing in the third round for the first time in something like 28 years! However part of that was that we'd likely have a blank weekend, therefore losing any 'advantage'. However obviously the trip today to Southend gives us that option to play with a 'little' freedom in the knowledge we'll remain top whatever the result. That said, if this is the 'advantage' game, it's one hell of a tough one. Southend unbeaten in 13 I believe and we've already been on the end of a very poor result at their hands this season. However, we are now a completely different prospect to the side that played that night, though it has to be said Southend do appear to be a little bit of a bogey side, even though we haven't played them that often down the years!!!

Anyway...

Any team news?

Carruthers unlikely to be more than a sub?

Clarke likewise?

Otherwise return to the 'recognised' first 11?

Or Lavery starting once more?

Games really can't come quick enough at the moment but this will be a real test considering some of the effective but uninspiring performances of late. Real potential to be a cracking game this afternoon and I can see a few goals, hopefully us edging it of course. So I'll go for 3-2 Blades victory and a safe journey to all.

UTB[/QUOTE]
If Carruthers does come on play well and score the winning goal the let's erect these in the carpark

 

[Cyprus Blade]

This won't be an easy game. They have 12 points out of their last 6 matches (we have 15) - they haven't conceded a goal in last 6 matches, but have scored only twice. Met 4 times in this division historically - we have drawn 2, lost 2. Overall we have 10 wins historically to their 9, with 2 draws. Not beaten them at their place for 22 years I am sad to say. Thank god the TV cameras aren't there.

Win would be great, draw acceptable. UTB

 

[Dalelane01]

Think we will play with confidence that comes with being top of the league.ground out some good wins of late.can see us having that confidence to win 2-0.billy scores again (penalty)and eel coming in with the other

 

[Not_a_Cheat]

This won't be an easy game. They have 12 points out of their last 6 matches (we have 15) - they haven't conceded a goal in last 6 matches, but have scored only twice. Met 4 times in this division historically - we have drawn 2, lost 2. Overall we have 10 wins historically to their 9, with 2 draws. Not beaten them at their place for 22 years I am sad to say. Thank god the TV cameras aren't there.

Win would be great, draw acceptable. UTB

Well that can't be right mate. If they've only scored twice then the best the last 6 matches could have yielded would have been 10 points. A quick look at their last 6 league games suggests they've scored 9 and conceded 2 However yes, they have gained 12 points. But yes it's not an easy game

 

[Hackblade]

A draw would be a great result but I've a feeling we will lose 2-1.

 

[BigBed]

Billy.....penalty................ you on summat pal!?!?

 

[JordoBlade]

This won't be an easy game. They have 12 points out of their last 6 matches (we have 15) - they haven't conceded a goal in last 6 matches, but have scored only twice. Met 4 times in this division historically - we have drawn 2, lost 2. Overall we have 10 wins historically to their 9, with 2 draws. Not beaten them at their place for 22 years I am sad to say. Thank god the TV cameras aren't there.

Win would be great, draw acceptable. UTB

Why? We've done well in front of the cameras this season.

 

[1973Blade]

I always say before these type of games that I'd be happy with a point, but in reality I'm still disappointed if we don't win.

 

[Boxer Blade]

A draw would be a great result but I've a feeling we will lose 2-1.

In future keep your feelings to yourself ;-)

 

[SB_90]

today will almost show how far this utd side has come, because our revival started after riot inducing opening 10 minute back August when we managed to be 3-0 down which was 1 of our lowest points in recent history

 

[CarlMcBlade]

It's a "tough game" for Sarfend too.

 

[SteveBlade]

We're massive favourites apparently. Just put £50 on SUFC to win and I'll only get £52 back...

 

[brownie4583]

Coutts and Duffy back in starting line up,Billy and Lavery up front,Carruthers,Done,McNulty and Clarke on bench

 

[Ricky]

That's the team I expected him to pick. Carruthers is number 44.

Southend are going 4-3-3 with Cox, Ranger and Fortune all starting. They're going for it. Should be an attacking game. Think our wing backs will have to drop back a fair bit.

 

[Hackblade]

Well that's a first. Did anybody else see the skeleton near the supporters' trust bar?

 

[HeCanDoMagic]

That's the team I expected him to pick. Carruthers is number 44.

Southend are going 4-3-3 with Cox, Ranger and Fortune all starting. They're going for it. Should be an attacking game. Think our wing backs will have to drop back a fair bit.

I think their formation and apparent willingness to attack will play into our hands.

First 20/25 mins will be key, reckon they will go all out early on.

 

[Ricky]

I think their formation and apparent willingness to attack will play into our hands.

First 20/25 mins will be key, reckon they will go all out early on.

Yep, might be best for Freeman and Lafferty to drop back and tuck in for the first 20 minutes or so.

I'm confident the longer it stays level, the more it favours us.

 

[ShorehamRevolution]

Cliches aplenty for this one it's a game that's "biggest of the season so far"
"See what we're made of"
Plenty more cliches could be used but quite justified today as it is a big test from recent opponents. I only found out the other day about their recent run of form !!

2-1 to the blades for me today.

 

[BushBlade]

Yep, might be best for Freeman and Lafferty to drop back and tuck in for the first 20 minutes or so.

I'm confident the longer it stays level, the more it favours us.

Or have Fleck sitting in front of the back three and get the wing backs forward into the wide spaces to push them back.

 

[Ricky]

Or have Fleck sitting in front of the back three and get the wing backs forward into the wide spaces to push them back.

Either way, we'll have to work hard defensively to stop their runners getting in good positions because you'd expect those three up front to get hold of the ball.

 

[derfblade.3]

It's all too complicated for me. Score more than them are my tactics

 

[Ldn_Rd_Blades]

eeeeeeelllllllll!!!!!!!!!