Ben McKeith

In needs of a friend

🚨 Rochdale and York City have released the following joint statement: “This Saturday’s game brings an end to one of the most thrilling, exciting and unpredictable title races in football history. Both ourselves and Rochdale have the chance to write our names in National League history. The National League is no longer a non-league competition. It is effectively a League 3, with fully professional clubs operating at a level equal to or higher than many of those in League 2. We both understand how important this game is to both clubs and supporters. We both pledge now that whatever happens tomorrow, we will both continue to fight for 3UP. Both clubs sit on over 100 points. One of us will have to fight once more in the National League Play-Offs. However, we both strongly believe that this shouldn’t have to be the case. We call on the National League, Football Regulator, EFL and Premier League to come together immediately and resolve this issue, so that we do not have to highlight this injustice year after year. For both sets of supporters attending the Crown Oil Arena this weekend, we say thank you for being with us all season. The passion you’ve shown for both clubs has been felt across the world. This game will be seen far and wide. We want to showcase this league for all its potential. Keep your support in the stands, not on the pitch, and let’s all protect the game we love. Thank you! Rochdale AFC & York City FC”

Life can be really rubbish can’t it. Got to take a deep breath, keep your head up high, try to forget things and control what you can control. Be the best person you can be!

This lads first day on TNT rugby… Big Geoff Parling wasn’t impressed… Valuable lesson learnt; Don’t mess with the warm up…

@BenjaminGreeen This is quite clean I would have said. No bottles or tape or anything. I’d take that

In the 18 months of management, I’ve prided myself to clean up and leave every away changing room very close to how I found it.. Disappointed to see this today in our away changing room from Banbury United 😏 When we go away to Banbury, I WILL clean up and tidy their one.. 👍🏻

@CJPhillips1982 Surprisingly soft underfoot in Leigh on Sea even in shaded areas (eg near South Stand). I can’t see it being called off now 😬

It’s the referee who decided the time of pitch inspection today

@dan_mays86 @CJPhillips1982 They travelled yesterday so unless it was called off early yesterday morning the time of pitch inspection won’t impact them

@harrisufc Happy New Year buddy. I don’t disagree with you. Bit up and down and yes realistic is playoffs. I still think we could finish above 7th though. Next 2 are big games. Should be 6pts and a 4-game run

@benmckeith @CJPhillips1982 There is lies the current problem - saying we deserved 3pts against Tamworth&maybe not all 3pts vs Sutton, that’s why we won’t get out of this current position&all we are playing for, realistically is 7th place ( ie play offs again). I’m not pessimistic, I’d say I’m realistic.

Shrimpers, what was your take on tonight's win? Your views will be used online .

@DaRamblingMan @_theawayends Wow…and what venue do you frequent? Sounds like another to avoid at all costs if you are an example of the clientele

@_theawayends Without a shadow of a doubt, the worst away venue I have ever been to in my life. Dingy little shithole surrounded by streets of racist cunts. Avoid at all costs.

If anyone is thinking of going to watch Southend I would think twice! Imagine finding this in your back pocket 🤣 #SUFC

@kevjenks @JamesBurton90 @CJPhillips1982 I like Morton. He switches play better and controls games. Agree Bridge needs more time. More threatening with the ball at his feet than Boyes who is very one sided and his delivery hasn’t been as good as it was first 6 games

@JamesBurton90 @CJPhillips1982 Miley is deceiving he looks good on the ball but is forever taking 5 touches to do what Morton for instance does in 1 or 2

@AndrewHackling @CJPhillips1982 We have lots of capable players. May not be the biggest squad but Bridge should be getting more mins, KAF is just what we needed, Kendall couldn’t be pushed for 90 and maybe not Cards quite yet either.

@CJPhillips1982 Poor game but take the win every time. But why do we need to make so many substitutions which then make the team weaker. Last 20 minutes were painful to watch - couldn’t keep the ball

@BryanGOBsmacked @CJPhillips1982 I’ve seen us give goals away in 90+ mins. I think this shows that we’ve matured. Was perfect game management against Braintree. Perhaps a bit early this time but he wasn’t to know there’d be 7 mins added on

@CJPhillips1982 Sutton unfortunate to get nothing from this game. I understand game management but completely shying away from goalscoring opportunities in the final 7 to 10 minutes was ridiculous and dangerous. Bridge’s pirouette away from the goal and back to the corner was just plain stupid.

@harrisufc @CJPhillips1982 Bit harsh, but easy to be pessimistic this season in front of goal. Had 3 great chances in the 2nd half (Cards missing one, Boyes and LCP straight at the keeper). Did feel Sutton deserved a point but we deserved 3 v Tamworth so 🤷🏻‍♂️

@CJPhillips1982 I’m late to this,but I thought it summed up our season.We didn’t really look like scoring , outside of the penalty, first half we looked more like the away side, with counter attacks.Sutton maybe a little upset they didn’t get a point. Not saying we played bad, it was just “meh”

Totally agree with this. Too many refs at this level stamp their mark on a game and get it wrong.

@CJPhillips1982 Not sure if you can see if he got the ball from this angle but if you’re beaten and you go through a player from behind you’re risking it

Here’s the penalty decision for the Shrimpers

@CJPhillips1982 I was worried about the handball, and the pull is a bit soft but could have been given. Ref let a lot go in the game and let the play flow so I guess in keeping with the game

Here’s Sutton’s penalty shout. Does Cav Miley pull Lewis Simper back inside the area?

@CJPhillips1982 Cardwell. Need to get him on a roll. Was glad he grabbed the ball the other day. Pity about the outcome but give him the confidence and keep him on pens

Who would you pick?

@CJPhillips1982 I still like Morton as the pivot in midfield. GSM showed how much of a difference he can make with his work rate up and down the right. Cards hold up play has been missed, hopefully makes it easier to manage games late on. Big 3 games coming up. Could/should be 4 wins back2back

Shrimpers. What was your take on today’s win? Your views will be used online.

@__jacklawrence In the last half an hour. Seemed uninterested or not able to get on the ball until then. Confidence player. After that shot wide from outside the box he got the bit between his teeth.

Leon parrilon absolutely outstanding this half. The player we all know that’s in there

@CJPhillips1982 Morton needs to come on. Midfield, especially away from home, often played through way too easily, and we don’t switch the ball nearly enough. Cardwell can cause problems but we have to switch it quicker to get balls in to him. This is a must-win!

Shrimpers, what did you make of the first 45 minutes?