Southend Wilt Against Wondrous Wapping

Published on 29th Jan 2018 by Jeremy Puncher

Southend Men’s 3rd team suffered a steamrollering as they found no answers against a superior Wapping side who were in full flow.

Southend Men’s 3XI 0 – 5 Wapping X

With Wapping flying high in the Division 8 SE standings, this tie was always in danger of being a mismatch. And so it proved despite the best efforts and intentions of the Southend players.

Wapping set the tone from the start, forcing Southend onto the back foot and could have led after the ball was shifted around keeper Liam Bell with the goal gaping but captain Jeremy Puncher intervened with a block as the shot deflected narrowly wide of the post. Bell was then on hand to deny Wapping with several fine stops including pushing a low shot wide of the right post after it was destined for the corner. However, minutes before half time, the away side found the breakthrough their play deserved.

Half time: 0-1

The second half began with Southend in good spirits despite being a goal behind. Nick Porter showed glimpses of hope through the middle alongside counterpart Steve Roach. But Wapping regained their early impetus and found their second. Defender Martin Allen could consider himself unlucky as a goal bound strike seemingly bounced off his foot leading to a penalty flick which was duly converted. Right winger Lewis Foster then stabbed narrowly wide of the goal following good pressing from the home side. Another chance saw Foster sent clean through on goal before his low shot was rebuffed by the ‘keeper. With Southend unable to force their way back into the match, Wapping further strengthened their position with two goals in the dying minutes to put gloss on the scoreline and send the home fans filing out of the King Edmund stadium.

Full time: 0-5

Man of the Match sponsored by Leigh Stairways went to goalkeeper Liam Bell who made numerous stunning stops and kept positive throughout the match.

Player-manager Jeremy Puncher showed his frustrations following the game, “I certainly didn’t see this result coming, there will be an inquest into this immediately. I can only apologise to the fans who were brilliant once again. We must react now against Brentwood next week.”

Defender Steve Wilkinson echoed his manager’s comments, “Clearly we were not prepared for this match, we gave the ball away far too much and teams like Wapping will punish you every time.”