Southend United goalkeeper Mel Capleton faces at least a year on the sidelines after breaking his right leg in Blues' reserve team clash with Brentford.

The 28-year-old fans' favourite shattered his leg in a brave 50-50 challenge with Bees striker Julian Charles during Tuesday's Roots Hall Avon Insurance Combination League match.

With 16 minutes gone, Capleton threw himself into a crunching tackle with a goalbound Charles, but came off worse and was left in agony inside his own penalty area.

St John's Ambulance staff and new Blues boss David Webb ran on to the pitch to help the shot-stopper and the game was held up for six minutes.

Both Capleton and Charles, who is also believed to have suffered a break, were stretchered off the pitch and the Shrimpers' custodian was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

Blues' reserve team boss Rob Newman said: "Nobody likes to see another player get hurt, especially when it's one of your own, but this can happen in football.

"Both players have hurt themselves in a sickening collision which made a terrible crack and it seems that Mel has come off worse.

"It's a crying shame because Mel was just doing his job, and doing it bravely. But he's been unlucky, which is very sad. Everybody here wishes Mel a speedy recovery."

Veteran Mark Prudhoe took over in goal as Blues' side of youngsters drew the fourth match of their opening six second-string outings.

However, Brentford, who boasted experienced front-pairing Scott Partridge and Lorenzo Pinamonte, were there for the beating.

But Southend failed to capitalise on their chances and pick up their first reserve win of the season.

Midfielder Scott Forbes, who put in a both busy and hungry display, fired a free-kick wide of the right-post on 22 minutes.

The long-haired trickster then played a left-wing centre into the Brentford box which Yemi Abiodun headed intelligently back across goal, but trialist Lee Boylan somehow missed the target from just six-yards.

Midfielders Kevin Maher and Adam Miller both went close with respective headers and shots, before youngster Leon Hunter dragged a good chance wide of the left-post on the stroke of half-time.

After the break, Blues continued to try to light up a dull encounter, with towering central defender Tom McDonald twice clearing the woodwork from excellent positions.

Another forward trialist, Canadian Simon Vickers, conjured up Southend's best chance, finding Abiodun with a smart left-wing centre, but the recipient's header hit the foot of the right post.

Southend: Capleton (Prudhoe), McDonald, Cross, McSweeney, Johnson, Miller (Edwards), Hunter, Maher, Abiodun, Boylan (Vickers), Forbes.

Agony for Mel - St John's Ambulance staff try to help the stricken Blues keeper

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Travel to Blackpool for a fiver

Southend United fans can travel to David Webb's return match at Blackpool this Sunday for just £5.

The Third Division club have laid on specially subsidised coaches in an attempt to get as many Blues supporters as possible up to Bloomfield Road to shout their team on to victory.

Shrimpers owner Ron Martin said: "Sunday will be the first game for our new manager David Webb and we want as many fans at Blackpool as possible to get behind him and the team."

Blues have agreed to book ten coaches, but Martin said he would be more than happy to arrange more if there was the demand.

"Blackpool is a long way to and we want to help our supporters make the trip in their droves," he added.

"The fans can play such a big part in our season and I think they have made a big difference during our last two games.

"Against Scunthorpe United at home they were very good. But at Rochdale last week they were unbelievable and we want this amazing support to continue as they lift the team!"

Ticket prices at Bloomfield Road are £10 for adults and £5 concessions and Martin hopes Blues fans will take advantage.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.