TT MATCH VERDICT
Tom Beddows- @BeddowsTom
Southend Utd 1-1 Torquay United
Match Summary
A game with pride the only thing on the table, as both teams entered the final game of the season knowing a mid-table finish was already achieved.
The Gulls started the game on top, playing the ball well through midfield, a chance came for Evans that the majority of the Yellow Army could’ve sworn was heading into the back of the net but Southend cleared off the line.
Pressure from United continued, with Wright hitting the post from close range.
Southend started to find some of the ball and had a few opportunities on goal. Halstead claimed the ball well on the occasions home team advanced forward, making an impressive save to deny the hosts the opening goal.
On the cusp of half time, a mishap from Southend’s Dunne gifted Chiori the space through to chip the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net, to take a 1-0 lead at half time.
The second half started with an early chance for the hosts to level things up. The Gulls stood firm however, and Halstead claimed the early threats.
A challenge on Wynter saw a straight red card given with half an hour to go. I didn’t see the challenge, but from those around me, Demetriou went in studs first and saw his marching orders given.
Going down to 10 men seemed to spark the life back into the Shrimpers, with their best spell of the game to follow. Dunne made up for his gift to us in the first half, by finding the back of the net to equalise, nothing I don’t think Halstead could have done about that one.
The game fizzled out for the last 10 minutes, each side attempting to go in on goal but not really making anything of it. Koszela had a good effort but it was saved cleanly by the keeper.
Full time – even stevens between the two sides and after an eventful season for both teams, probably a nice way to finish and look ahead at doing better next year!
Player Ratings
Halstead – 7 – Some brilliant saves throughout the game, can’t fault him for the goal. A few misplaced balls going forward, if he’s here next season as No.2, I’d like to see a more vocal and commanding Mark between the sticks, when he’s required to be there.
Wynter – 8 – The only player to have played every game (and every minute) this season, fantastic achievement! The #BWAS are a proud bunch of people! Consistent, pragmatic in his play and a joy to have playing in Yellow.
Lewis – 7 – First game as captain, well deserved after this seasons efforts.
Johnson – 8 – Excellent game from Chiori, and a brilliant goal.
Martin – 6 – Shame to see him go off, had played well for the first half hour.
Lemonheigh-Evans – 7 – Good game and a few chances for the Lemon today, but wasn’t able to see them through. He’s certainly a credit to our team, whether he’s playing in Yellow or not come August it’s been a pleasure watching him these last few seasons.
Duke-McKenna – 8 – What a loan signing ‘The Duke’ has been, and it was the usual stuff from him today. Thanks for all your efforts since coming down to the bay.
Wright – 7 – Good shift from Wright as always!
Felix – 8 – Best game I’ve seen from Felix. Was all over the pitch. Hope to see more of him in the starting XI next season (if given the chance!).
Omar – 8 – Great game! (See MotM)
O’Connell – 6 – Has improved, and was good at times today. Couple of misplaced passes, but not a bad game for No.16.
Subs
Koszela & Moyse – 7 – It was good to see Koszela and Moyse make an appearance, both fit players wanting to play and make something of themselves. I reckon will see more of these two in pre-season.
Edwards – 6 – Replaced Martin early on, played well but didn’t set the game alight like Dan can do.
Do you agree with the ratings? VOTE HERE
Man of the Match: Ali Omar
A hard selection, can’t say there was an out and out man of the match today, but I reckon Ali Omar may just take it. He’s become a proud defender towards the end of the season, and has not been afraid to throw himself at the ball and the opposition, making some incredible blocks/clearances, shown again this afternoon!
I’m pleased his confidence has hugely improved and so doing, his ability seems to as well. One of the most improved for the season and his love and enthusiasm for the game means I’ll be happy for him to be a part of our squad in 22-23.
Honourable Mentions
The Yellow Army!
A 500 mile round trip, on the last day of the season, not a thing to play for and 141, brilliant, but mad members of the Yellow Army were in fine voice at Roots Hall.
The efforts of all appreciated by the home crowd, who applauded the announcement of the away attendance.
After the last 2 years of restrictions, and although this season hasn’t gone the way we’d have hoped, it’s been brilliant to be able to enjoy football properly again and the Yellow Army have been magnificent travelling in their numbers.
Tactics
A 3-5-2 formation, which we’ve become used to more recently, Halstead making the start in place of MacDonald and O’Connell taking the place of the injured Little.
VOTE FOR YOUR LATEST POWER RANKINGS HERE!
Opposition
Not a bad side, but a clear mid table team, this season. Certainly not the worst opposition I’ve seen, with some key players, including their No11 Powell, but they’ve got some work to do if they want to compete properly in this league.
The Officials
A fairly good game from the officials, allowing for it to flow well. A couple of questionable decisions, mainly with the number of offsides given, the linesman in the first half certainly seemed a little flag happy, but then from the other end of the ground it felt like binoculars were needed at times, so, hard to tell if they genuinely were.
COYY – Tom
Social Media
TT SHOP
TWITTER – INSTAGRAM – SPOTIFY – ETSY – YOU TUBE – FACEBOOK
TORQUAYTALK 
One thought on “TT MATCH VERDICT – Southend Utd 1-1 TUFC, 15th May 2022”