Southend United skipper Phil Whelan admitted he could not have given Blues a better start in their 2-0 FA Cup second round replay win over Chesterfield at Roots Hall last night.

Perfect start - Southend skipper Phil Whelan celebrates putting the Shrimpers 1-0 up against Chesterfield last night. Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY 5DEW835C

The 29-year-old central defender headed the Third Division Seasiders into a second minute lead against the Spireites, leaving substitute frontman Barrington Belgrave to wrap up victory five minutes from time.

After the match a jubilant Whelan said: "It was a dream start for us to score so early in the game.

"It was a great ball in from Kevin Maher and I just got a touch on it, but it was enough to evade the goalkeeper's reach and give us the lead.

"And it was especially pleasing for me to score as I missed the original game up at Chesterfield through suspension, which was very frustrating."

However, Whelan believes Chesterfield's Second Division rivals Tranmere Rovers, who will visit Blues in the next round on Saturday, January 5, will be a much tougher proposition.

"Tranmere have only just come down from Division One and have kept most of their players together so they will be a good team," he added.

"They are just outside the promotion play-off places in Division Two and will be hoping to go straight back up this year.

"Tranmere will give us a stiff test, but we're playing well at home and can be a match for anyone here at Roots Hall."

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Published Wednesday December 19, 2001