Source: PA
Boss hails Hall after brace
Southend manager Paul Sturrock was delighted to see Ryan Hall grab a brace in the 2-2 draw against Gillingham after a traumatic week and wished his winger all the best for his court date later this week.
The midfielder is currently on bail pending a Crown Court appeal on Thursday after receiving a 20-week jail term for affray but he put that to one side to twice bring Southend on level terms to seal a point against promotion rivals the Gills.
Sturrock said: "I think the court case affected him on Saturday at Morecambe, but he sent me a text this morning and said 'Gaffer, I will be fine tonight'.
"The important thing was how the nervous tension and adrenaline would affect him, but thankfully he was the star man for us.
"I hope and pray for him, his family and, greedily, the club that it all goes well for him when he returns to court on Thursday."
Of the penalty decision which put his side 2-1 down, the Scot added: "Our boys said it was not a penalty because it was outside the box. I don't think the referee was going to give it until his assistant flagged."
