Southend United Football Club

• Nickname:Shrimpers
• Founded:1906
• Manager:Paul Sturrock

• Ground:Roots Hall
• Capacity:12392

Tilson targets rise

08 Nov 2006 - 08:33:36

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Southend United manager Steve Tilson hopes Tuesday's dramatic Carling Cup success against Manchester United can kick-start his side's season.

The Shrimpers are currently bottom of the Championship table having endured a 12-match winless sequence, but Freddie Eastwood's stunning free-kick ensured they secured a famous 1-0 victory against the current Premiership leaders.

"With our recent results the players could have frozen, especially when they saw their team, but they were brilliant," Tilson said. "Hopefully this win can now kick-start our season.

"The commitment was there from start to finish. I don't think we were ever really under pressure at any one stage throughout the match. We opened them up on a few occasions and I thought it was a good footballing match.

"To be honest, when I saw their line-up, I thought how many can we keep it down by? Manchester United had a very strong team and I wanted a respectable scoreline. But it was a marvellous performance from the players and a fantastic night.

"The whole team was outstanding and it was a great winning goal by Freddie. His goalscoring record is second to none and the way he has hit the ball with pace means no goalkeeper is going to save it."