Resurgent Southend United eased their relegation worries at the York Street Stadium last night with a confident and classy 2-0 triumph in a crucial basement battle with Boston.
The well deserved win saw the Shrimpers surge up to the 16th in the table -- seven points clear of struggling Macclesfield Town who still occupy 23rd place in the dreaded drop zone.
Carl Pettefer - created the Blues' second goal
And if Blues can consistently reproduce the standard of yesterday evening's successful showing against the Pilgrims, then there will be no more need for any nervous glances over their shoulders.
In fact, the Shrimpers should have been celebrating a far more convincing win as they dominated virtually the whole 90 minutes with a well organised and oiled display which must surely rank among their best of the season so far.
During a second half, which the Blues completely bossed, the lively looking Leon Constantine wasted a hatful of well created chances, while messrs Dudfield and Jenkins were also denied by the fine form of home shot-stopper Paul Bastock.
Thankfully the wasted opportunities did not return to haunt the Roots Hall side this time around as Bastock had already been beaten by two well taken headers from Mark Bentley and Neil Jenkins -- as the Shrimpers secured what could prove to be a vital victory.
Bentley sent the Seasiders on their way with his first ever professional goal, after just six minutes, and the former Dagenham and Redbridge midfielder was again incredibly impressive and influential in the centre of the park.
Following an inconsistent start to his Southend career, Bentley now seems to have settled at the Shrimpers and looks to be accustomed to the robust hustle and bustle of Division Three football.
Shrimpers' midfielder Neil Jenkins ended his own recent frustration with a fine display on the left wing after replacing the injured Mark Gower mid-way through the second half.
The former Wimbledon trainee, who has failed to make the bench in the past few weeks, also netted his first goal of the season for a spirited Southend side that has lost just one of their last nine games.
More on Southend United FC
What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board.
Published Thursday March 4, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article