This is JD reporting from the Rawreth Fields:
"The League kicked off in controversial style for the Thunder as an away game to Armada Sports proved that football rules are not always clear cut.
The Southend Thunder travelled to rural south Essex with optimism after the second half display in last weeks cup game, despite a heavy defeat. The conditions upon our arrival were not ideal, with the light wind and constant rain set to be a pain for both teams. Holding Midfielder turned Centre-Half Jamie George was given captaincy in a 4-4-2 formation for the Thunder. A late replacement came just before the kick-off when Anders felt a tweak that he thought may threaten a lengthy injury list so was replaced by JD on the left flank.
The game started off in unspectacular fashion, with both teams trying to figure one another out, whilst coping with the conditions. The home team threatened the Thunder’s goal line on a couple of occasions, but a combination of solid defending and poor shooting insured a clean sheet looked on the cards. Southend Thunder played very much on the counter attack in the first 45, with JD wasting a half opportunity when put through by centre forward Ben and a couple of long efforts from Dan O and the midfield proving the most the away team could muster. The highlight from an uneventful first half was left back and club manger/secretary Nathan Dunley having a little tiff with Sports’ right winger, who was annoyed and clearly affected by the good defending on display.
Half-time came with the score-line goal-less and the Thunder the happier of the two teams as a clean sheet playing up hill and the conditions square in their face was a good return from the effort shown. Simple team talk for the gaffer and captain…keep it simple, use the ball…and have a go!!!
The second half was where the refereeing standard was questioned and the controversy began. The second half kicked off and it was clear that the roles of the teams were reversed and Armada where going to defend heavy against a Thunder onslaught and a hope of a break-away goal. The Thunder used the ball wisely in the second period and chances started to come with great vision from the forwards and centre midfield finding room for shots or to attempt the killer through ball that was required. This did come after 70 minutes when one of those though balls was put through by Joe in the midfield and blasting into the area was winger Chris Bamber, like a ginger freight-train the run came and a low shot across the keeper gave the Thunder the lead. The next few minutes were a Thunder charge on the home goal…with JD crossing for Dan O who found the keeper from six yards and then JD himself skying over from 16 yards when controlling a through ball from Gary Willis. Then the first part of the drama unfolded when Adam came out to challenge an Armada centre forward who bumbled around before laying off to a team mate who poked the ball home with only sub Tom Lovejoy on the line…’Offside’ the Thunder cried…surely he must have been because when the ball was played through only Tom was between the goal scorer and the ball…despite a strong away protest, the referee stood firm and the goal stood. Incensed by this apparent injustice the Thunder poured forward in search of a second, Dan O attempting a Xabi Alonso style shot from the half way line, only for the home keeper to tip over.
The second controversial moment came only minutes from time, when Jo powered down the right hand side beating anyone that came near him…opponent or otherwise and crossed into the area…Dan O darted near post to connect but missed both him and the defender and was volleyed home by JD. As the celebrations started the cries of ‘It’s Offside’ were heard and the linesman (not impressed Greg) did indeed wave the flag. A slightly biased view it may be, but the ball from Jo was NOT played forwards and JD WAS in line with Dan O and the defender marking him. No goal was the verdict and despite late opportunities for Larry and Anders the winner never came for the Thunder nor Armada who were denied by Adam’s abilities in goal.
When the game finished, there was real disappointment from the Thunder who worked hard…excellent defending from Adam, Martin, Jamie, Nathan and Man Of Match Pete being a real positive but the result felt bitter. Next week its Pro Max at home, next week the result will be different."
