Swansea CIty move a point closer to promotion with a credible point at Southend
The result was definitely more than an even result from an afternoon game that was not exactly littered with decent chances for either side but was still entertaining enough nonetheless.
And it could have been better for the Swans had Ferrie Bodde's long shot not come back off the bar towards the end of the evening but it didn't detract from what was a good result and more than an adequate follow up from the midweek win over Bristol Rovers. With a home game to follow on Monday a victory there will represent a more than satisfactory position from what has been a tricky period for the Swans through both injuries and a little wobble.
The Swans had been given a first half lead from a Jason Scotland penalty from a foul on Tom Butler whilst Southend equalised deep into first half stoppage time with a free header from a set piece - not the first time that has been said this season.
Roberto elected to revert to a 4-5-1 formation for this game - dropping Duffy to the bench for the start with his choice first five all available in midfield. Alan Tate again captained the side in the absence of Garry Monk.
Doris
Rangel Tate Lawrence Austin
Butler Britton Bodde Pratley Robinson
Scotland.
Owain Tudur-Jones and Darren Way were both on the bench as they continued their recovery from injury whilst there was a warm welcome from an excellent travelling support for Graeme Jones who could not resist a smirk as the chants of "Hoo hoo hooligan" started up before kick off.
Swansea had by best the better of a first half with Tom Butler a more than welcome outlet on the right hand side for the Swans and he was a constant threat to a Southend defence who conceded a flurry of corners early doors before the Swans grabbed the opening goal of the game.
A superb ball from Bodde found Butler on the right and as he cut inside he was bought down by the Southend defender and the referee had no hesitation but to point to the spot. A stonewall penalty if ever I have seen one. Scotland made no mistake in sending the keeper the wrong way and the Swans were a goal to the good with 25 minutes on the clock.
Strangely there was a delay in the restart after this as running repairs were carried out on the goal that clearly was being braced for a flurry of Swans chances (if only....!)
But for the rest of the first half it was the Swans who always looked the more dangerous and were able to cope with some ease at everything Southend was throwing at them at this stage. A defence marshalled by Alan Tate never looked like conceding until Southend were awarded a free kick in the dying moments of first half stoppage time. As the ball was floated across Robson-Kanu rose unmarked to power home a header that gave Dorus no chance in the Swans goal. Southend were level and probably undeservedly so at this point.
Half time came and went and with the wind behind them in the second half there was genuine hope that the Swans could go on and retain the lead but this time hold onto it. It wasn't to be as everal moments of hesitation in their defence allowed Southend glimpses of good chances whilst some strange decisions by both referee and linesman (note to linesman when the ball is two foot over the line then it is out of play - as Tom Butler told you at the end "you are s**t!")
A couple of decent chances were spurned by the home side whilst the Swans struggled to cope under the wind and the extra yard it was putting on every pass. Bodde struck one against the bar that rebounded to safety whilst a couple of half chances were charged down by the Southend defence. Kevin Austin was coming into his own in the left back position and and it was becoming obvious that there was to be no way past that outlet this afternoon.
As stoppage time completed the Swans were good value for the point and both sides got just that as the Easter weekend started well I guess for both of them - I suspect both would have taken that at the start of play.
A further point towards the promotion goal and a good reward for the last four days worth of action.
Getting closer......