Southend United - The Official Match Preview Shared

September 11, 2014 by Joanna Harrison

A preview ahead of Southend United's Sky Bet League 2 fixture against Portsmouth at Roots Hall on Saturday 13th September, kick-off 3pm.

The Lowdown
Blues welcome Portsmouth to Roots Hall on Saturday for their second Sky Bet League 2 home game in a row following the 1-1 draw with Oxford United last week.

Phil Brown’s side haven’t won since a 2-0 victory against Stevenage at Roots Hall in their first home league game, but will be hoping a big crowd at Roots Hall can help turn things around.

Pompey enjoyed a very successful start to the campaign but have found the going tougher in recent weeks, losing their last two league games; against Newport County and Burton Albion.

The Officials
Referee: Graham Scott
Assistants: Andrew Aylatt and Ashvin Degnarain
Fourth Official: Stephen Finch

Graham Scott has taken charge of seven games so far this season and has shown 16 yellow cards and one red card. Scott officiated Blues’ away game at AFC Wimbledon last season, sending of the Dons’ George Francomb.

The Inside View
Phil Brown: “Pompey are one of the biggest clubs in the division and by definition we think they will be a top-half side at least this season so it’ll be a tough game. I’m sure there will be a big crowd which should add to the occasion.”

Andy Awford: “For certain games you look at who you are playing and this weekend it is Southend and it will be hard. If we had a one-off game, I’d know my best side, but picking your best team doesn’t work out like that.”

The Previous Meetings
Jan 2014: Southend United 2-1 Portsmouth
Nov 2013: Portsmouth 1-2 Southend United
Mar 1997: Southend United 2-1 Portsmouth
Aug 1996: Portsmouth 1-0 Southend United
Jan 1996: Southend United 2-1 Portsmouth

COME ON YOU BLUES

Read more at http://www.southendunited.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-preview/index.aspx#Zl8PjZF5POrVMtg8.99