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Rangers shared the points with
Southend United tonight in a 1-1
draw at Chestnut Avenue. The game
was significant in that it was Karl
Connolly's first start for a couple
of months. Unfortunately, he lasted
barely half an hour.
The
first half was an uninspiring affair
with neither side managing to create
many decent chances. Dennis Oli
fired a shot straight down Gay's
throat from a tight angle and at the
other end Day had to be alert to
gather a number of dangerous
crosses. The over fussy official
showed Wes Daly the yellow card for
dissent after he had fairly won a
challenge.
Connolly limped off to be replaced
by Brian Fitzgerald. He linked up
with his namesake Scott Fitzgerald
in attack. The latter is on trial
from Northwood after a flurry of
goals this season.
Half
time saw two more changes with Stamp
and Oli being replaced by Wattley
and Gradley but with little effect
on the game. Ten minutes into the
half Scott Fitzgerald should have
scored. After rounding the keeper he
tried to be too clever and ended up
on his arse with the ball in Gay's
hands.
Southend went ahead with a fine
volley from Stuart Thurgood. A
corner was cleared from the box and
Thurgood walked onto it to fire low
into the net. Day had no chance and
it was now up to a very young
Rangers team to respond.
Scott
Fitzgerald again went close but the
keeper saved well at his feet.
Minutes later he rounded the keeper
again only to try too much and see
the opportunity disappear. He did
however have a hand in the
equaliser.
Wes
Daly hung a high cross up for Scott
Fitzgerald to challenge for. His
challenge was enough to force gay
into an error and the ball fell
invitingly for David Booles. He
calmly volleyed into the gaping net
for his first reserve team goal.
The
rest of the game passed without
incident and I think both teams will
be relatively happy with a point.
For Rangers Plummer looked as solid
as ever and young Booles on the left
showed plenty of industry. His link
up play with Danny Murphy was
excellent and the diminutive full
back looked full of confidence
despite his Tranmere disaster.
The
trialist Fitzgerald showed some nice
touches outside the box but looked
nervous in front of goal. He made
and spurned three good chances with
his electric pace. Olly may think he
is worth another look although you
would have to wonder where he would
fit into the squad at the moment. |
