The Harriers stormed to their first away win of the season at Rootshall tonight and their first ever win at Southend. Goals either side of halftime from Sean Flynn and JJ Melligan won the points for us to send us up to 12th place in the table.
The Reds started the game without Scott Stamps and Andy Ducros who had come down with a stomach bug and Dean Bennett, back from injury, sat on the bench.
Our defenders stood firm throughout the match and hardly gave Southend a look in. In the first half Stuart Brock hardly had a save to make although for the first twenty minutes Southend looked the most likely to score.
Leon Cort came the closest to scoring when he sent his header over the bar from a corner. A few minutes later Brockie was called into action again when he punched the ball away from the head of Jay Smith.
It wasn't all going Southend's way though because at the other end both Broughton and Sam Shilton were trying to get onto the score sheet but panic defending from Southend was keeping them out. JJ came close with a 25yd effort that was only just wide.
Drewe Broughton did find a way past the defence midway through the half when he forced the Southend keeper Flahavan to push his rasping shot over the bar.
The first goal came almost on the stroke of halftime. Ian Foster pulled Broad out of position and sent over the perfect ball for Sean Flynn to head into the top corner of the net for his first goal for the Harriers. A perfect way to silence his critics.
HT. 0 - 1
Four minutes into the second half and the game was won. Sean Flynns' crossfield pass found JJ Melligan in acres of space on the wing. He collected the ball and with immaculate control set off for goal. 18 yards out and he let loose to slot his shot into the bottom corner of the net.
In response to this the Southend Manager, Rob Newman, took off Steve Clark and bought on Barrington Belgrave to give his team the route one option. He was soon sewn up by the solid Harriers back three.
Harriers continued to dominate the game and played the more attractive football with Flynn orchestrating the midfield. On 68 minutes we could have added to our lead when he set up a chance for Ian Foster to have a crack at goal but he sent his shot tantalisingly wide of the post.
The game ended with the Harriers content to soak up the Southend pressure and come away with all the points.
This was a fine first away win for the lad's but they may have an harder task against Rochdale on Saturday. They came back from being 3-1 down at home to Cambridge last night to steal a 4-3 win in the last two minutes.