Blackpool Vs Southend

The Seasiders start 2006 with a home match against Steve Tilson’s Southend United.

Once again Simon Grayson has a full squad to pick from apart from the long term injuries of defender Danny Coid and Gareth Evens.

In addition to the squad that travelled to Walsall, Grayson can now call upon the services of Ian Morris once again, after the midfielder signed on loan for the rest of the season. There also might be some late additions to the squad due to the re-opening of the transfer window.

Missing for the Pool Gareth Evens – knee, Danny Coid – ankle.

2005 wasn’t the best of years for John Doolan on the pitch, but recent performances have hinted towards brighter times for the midfielder. Doolan who signed for the Pool from Doncaster this summer has had a spell in the first team recently and will be looking to retain his place in the starting eleven.

The scouser recently has shown signs of form in the middle of the park and was involved in the Seasiders first goal on boxing day at Port Vale playing in Keigan Parker for the Simon Wiles goal.

Manager Steve Tilson has only a squad of 15 players to choose from due to injury and suspension. But the Blues boss will be looking to add to his squad before the match on Monday, 'I am looking to bring people in but they are talking silly money. I want to bring loan players in to sign permanently or straight off signings.”

Southend are flaying high second in League One thanks to two 2-1 wins on the trot, goals from Fredie Eastwood and Wayne Gray saw of Hartlepool last week, and on New Years Eve a Gray penalty and a goal from Luke Guttridge saw off Bournemouth.

Missing for Southend Shaun Goater, Lewis Hunt, Jay Smith, Bart Griemink - injured, Che Wilson – suspended.

The former West Ham and Grayes player is the man to watch after hitting the back of the net eleven times so far this season. Eastwood, who has attracted interest from other clubs, is the sides top soccer dispite only starting 17 times this season in all competitions.

And with his striking partner Wayne Gray they have managed to bag a total of 17 goals together in league one.

The last time the two sides met was at the Millennium Stadium for the LDV Vans Trophy final, Southend then in League Two lost out that day 2-0, the goals coming from John Murphy and Danny Coid.

The last time the sides met in the league was in Football League Two at Roots Hall, the Seasiders ran out 3-0 winners that day, goals came from the now departered Wellens, Simpson and Walker.

Referee: Matt Messias (Yorkshire) - Games: 14 Yellow Cards: 48 Red Cards: 2

Assistant Referees: Andrew Butler (Lancashire) and Mark Warren (W Midlands)

Fourth Official: Steven Cummins (Cheshire)

Blackpool 1- 1 Southend United

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