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Memories of our headline making FA Cup win the previous season returned when we again entertained Southend United, and once more the Ducks achieved another victory making it three wins out of three against Barclays League opposition in pre-season. The visitors paraded their full first team apart from injured keeper Paul Sansome, and it was his deputy Jimmy Jones who helped the Ducks take the lead on 8 minutes. A poor throw out went straight to Allan and he found Glen. Although his first effort was blocked, Glen picked up the rebound to fire home from six yards.

In the 19th minute the Ducks produced some vintage quality, even to neutral observers. Steve Ketteridge dribbled the ball out of his own area and found Cliff who waited before returning a pass back to Ketts. The experienced midfielder switched play to Allan who in turn found Junior on the overlap. Junior's low centre flew along the six yard line, just missing Glen and David Pert ? breathtaking stuff.

On 34 minutes Cliff headed in a Ketts free kick to increase the lead, but shortly after he twisted an ankle and came off at the interval. In the second period we continued to pressure the visitors, and Paul Ewart screwed a shot just wide, a long range effort by Allan was tipped away, and a Steve Cox chip went just over.

Five minutes from time the pressure paid off when Owen crossed into the box and David Pert headed past Jones.

A minute from time Southend scored a consolation goal through Paul Smith, but once again our display throughout the ninety minutes was a joy to watch.