Southend United versus Canvey Island is game on thanks to Blues defender Leo Roget's stunning extra time goal which settled the Shrimpers' FA Cup first round replay against Torquay at Roots Hall pon Tuesday night.

The centre-half cracked home a wicked free-kick in the 98th minute to set up a second round clash with giantkillers Canvey, who pulled off an amazing feat in their own rematch by knocking out Second Division Port Vale 2-1 up in the Potteries.

And the tie against the Islanders sums up once again just why the FA Cup is the world's most famous knockout competition.

Even the greatest Hollywood has to offer could not write the scripts this tournament conjures up year after year. And one thing is for sure, the next round against Canvey on Saturday, December 9, is sure to be a real blockbuster!

But Blues will need to make a vast improvement if they hope to overcome Jeff King's non-league heroes in a game scheduled to take place at the Islanders' tiny Park Lane home.

The Seasiders were far from impressive during last night's encounter as they struggled to overcome a Torquay team who had failed to win any of their ten games on the road prior to travelling to the Essex coast.

Dire was the only word which could describe both sides' performances during a drab first-half which fell well short of the desired cup classic most soccer fans crave for.

Southend and Torquay had run out of ideas before they had even begun as they spluttered around aimlessly without any method on a soggy Roots Hall pitch. Neither set of players had an ounce of creativity about them as defences came out on top of a yawn-infested start to the proceedings.

But as the disillusioned spectators sitting in the Roots Hall stands were beginning to contemplate extra time and penalties after just 45 minutes of play, Blues found a creative spark in midfielder Russell Williamson, who has taken on the mantle of lucky FA Cup talisman.

Williamson obviously has a taste for this competition and he nudged Southend ahead soon after the interval, which followed on from his goal in the first meeting between the two sides, a 1-1 draw at Plainmoor.

And the quick-footed pocket dynamo could have had a hat-trick as he used his pace and skill to beat defenders and brighten up what was a much more entertaining spectacle.

But the little man's best efforts were denied and with Blues failing to kill off their opponents, Torquay inevitably grabbed a late equaliser through Khalid Chalqi.

But the Seasiders finally settled this tie in the first period of extra time via Roget's fourth goal of the season, which sent Southend into the second round of the competition for the first time in three years.

One thing is for sure, Blues will have to be much more convincing if they hope to escape a potential embarrassment and overcome the formidable obstacle of Ryman Premier Division Canvey.

The Islanders are no mugs and will fancy their chances of taking another League scalp and pitting themselves against one of the big boys in the third round.

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