Top of the League – We Are Indeed Having a Laugh

So the mighty Shrimpers sit proudly at the top of Npower League 2 (albeit on goal difference).  4 wins in a row, 10 goals scored, none conceded – that’s promotion winning form.

However, with a tough away trip to Crewe coming up this Saturday, in my opinion we’re going to have to change the way we do things because, although the stats don’t lie, we’re not actually playing that well.

In fact, we’re playing badly.

The games have been boring and frustrating. The goals have been coming from dubious penalties, mistakes on the part of the opposition and scuffed shots trickling over the line. Easier chances have been missed.

On loan midfielder Michael Timlin scored two absolute crackers away at Rotherham, however apart from that we have been rather lucky.

Maybe I’m analysing it too much – after all playing badly and winning is better than playing champagne football and losing. But I just can’t help but wonder what we would be like if we were firing on all cylinders.

An away trip to Crewe is always a tricky prospect so this could provide a real test of Southend’s mettle and be an indication of us being promotion contenders or mid-table also-rans, but if we play like we have been lately we could be in for a real hiding.

But I’m being glass half empty ( a natural state of mind for any Southend fan ) – we are top of the League, something which I haven’t been able to say for a few years, so let’s enjoy it.

Being early October I know there’s a hell of a long way to go yet, and with a small squad we’ll see how the rain, mud and heavy pitches of January take their toll. But if Paul Sturrock’s barmy army can keep going the way they are, grinding out results whilst not playing that great, then when it does come together we will be awesome.

Then it will be fingers crossed that, come April, we’ll be well in the mix for the play-offs or, whisper it, an automatic promotion spot.

Up the Shrimpers.

Lee Morgan @LeeM_007