HALF-TIME: Crewe Alexandra 0 Southend United 0

15 March 2011 20:48
Sometimes games that are goalless are actually just plaindull, and for the 3,319 spectators scattered around Gresty Road, this is one of them as the game thankfully reaches half-time! We knew Blues boss Paul Sturrock had to make some changes due to injury but poor Rhys Evans pays for his error in the defeat at Lincoln City by being replaced by Glenn Morris in goal.The other surprise is the return of Luke Prosser at centre-half, allowing Chris Barker, who has played so well in that position, to take over from Peter Gilbert. In central midfield the expected starting line-up of Lee Sawyer and Anthony Grant, potentially an exciting one, Snoop Dog taking the place of Captain Craig Easton, meaning Chris Barker is the new skipper. In a game the Shrimpers must try and win they started brightly, winning a corner in the second minute, as usual sent over by Ryan Hall.After that the game settled in to a period of broken down attacks, annoying free-kicks and the odd offside, slowing the game down to the detriment of any enjoyment for the spectator. In fact, nothing was happening. This was dull. Though Southend were were seeing more of the ball they weren't doing mich with it, al la Saturday. Worrying!Then a shot, by Crewe's David Artell, Morris easily saves.Lee Sawyer was his usual busy self with no little skill, and won another corner as the game approached the break allowing Hall to cross but the incoming Ferdinand was adjudged to have fouled.It was the former Chelsea youth that won a free-kick for Hall to force Alex keeper Rhys Taylor to at least warm his hands. At last, we see the S24 player-to-watch, Crewe top scorer Clayton Donaldson , try and liven up the evening. He shoots wide right.Followed by a Danny Blanchett corner, guess what, nothin comes of it. For mercy's sake blow the whistle for half-time ref so we can least get a cup of bovril, and thankfully he does.Half-Time: Crewe Alexandra 0 Southend United 0

Source: FOOTYMAD