A single strike by Jon McCarthy just past the half-hour mark was the difference between the sides but in truth it could have been a lot more as United wasted a series of chances to extend their lead. Southend had one near miss just after Carlisle grabbed the only goal but that was about it. The pitch had been covered overnight and proved comfortably playable although there were some tricky areas. It was United who took the game to the visitors from the off with recent signing Adam Rundle catching the eye on the left side of midfield. Mark Hudson had the first eye-catching effort with a 30-yard drive that dipped slightly and brought a finger tip save out of Shrimpers keeper Dan Gay. Craig Farrell had a better chance to open the scoring when he was put through by a crossfield pass from Hudson and he got the better of ex-Carlisle man Damon Searle but Gay came off his line to block bravely. On 32 minutes the Cumbrians impressive attacking play brought reward. A cross from Rundle on the left edge of the area was aimed at Craig Farrell who missed out but the ball ran through to McCarthy who poked his shot past Gay into the left corner. The visitors reacted to going a goal behind by producing some determined attacking play. On 37 minutes they so nearly equalised when Brian Shelley blocked an effort from Mark Rawle and the striker followed up by striking the underside of the bar, the ball coming back to Glennon who gratefully held it while grounded a yard out. Having had a lucky escape, the home side didn't look back and the second half belonged almost entirely to them. Within a few minutes Hudson got on the end of a Rundle cross but the keeper and the post got in the way. Rundle was the star of the show and he nearly got the goal he deserved when he cut inside and drilled a shot off the post. McCarthy hit the rebound wide. The best chance of the half fell to Farrell who broke clear only to see Gay come out and make a good save. From the rebound substitute Paul Robinson shot on target but Gay again made a top save. One of the few downsides to a solid effort by United was yet another yellow card for Mark Summerbell, who starts his latest suspension on Monday. When he returns one more booking will see him out again. Al's verdict: A clean sheet that was so sorely needed. One bit of luck aside, this was a much better defensive display by United, not perfect but adequate in the circumstances. Southend were poor and the game should have been won more comfortably but we are not a team playing with masses of confidence right now and 1-0 will be more than enough for me. Rundle had a terrific game and looks a very good prospect. The good news is he won't be going back to another club within a few weeks as he has signed a three-year contract. Surely he is a shining example of the sort of talented young player with which Roddy Collins is attempting to build a winning side who will stay together and improve over time. Of course I still feel we lack experience and better sides than Southend will have to be overcome if we are to retain our league status but this victory will help ease the nerves of everyone at Brunton Park. |
