Late Defeat Harsh on Improved Rovers

Kevin Betsy scored late on to deny Rovers a point away to Southend on Saturday.  Southend took the lead early in the game but Rovers improved and were deservedly level through an Ian Moore penalty, only for the hosts to win it in injury time.

The one change to the Rovers team who beat Colchester was in goal as the injured Danny Coyne was replaced by John Achterberg for his first appearance since August so the team looked like this...

The game started lively and Southend were ahead within minutes.  Simon Francis had a shot blocked by the defence and the ball fell to Theo Robinson who had his first shot well saved by Achterberg but hit in the rebound after some poor Rovers defending.

Rovers' first attempt on goal came when Ian Moore flicked Shuker's cross straight into the arms of the goalkeeper and at the other end Freedman shot wide for Southend.

Kay then set up Edds who tested Mildenhall with a decent effort whilst at the other end Achterberg then saved from Clarke and Sankofa whilst Savage was booked for persistent fouling.

Half Time: Southend United 1 - 0 Tranmere Rovers

Mildenhall had to save a Barnett effort at the second attempt as Rovers started the second half brightly.  Gareth Edds then shot over from 30 yards as Rovers continued to threaten.

Andy Taylor who was struggling with a hamstring problem had to be replaced in the 56^th minute, with Aaron Cresswell the man come on in his place.

Rovers were given the chance to level from the spot on 61 minutes as Freedman handled a Shuker cross and it was Ian Moore who confidently stuck the spot kick into the corner and Rovers were level.

Rover's confidence was up and they now continued to press with Barnett in particular creating chances, but Savage was lucky not to be sent off after he fouled Clarke.

Shuker shot at Mildenhall from 25 yards shortly before Southend appeared to re-take the lead as Freedman headed in from a corner only for it to be chalked off for offside.

Southend did manage to nick it late on anyway though as Kevin Betsy, the thorn in Rovers side in recent times, volleyed in from a free kick in the 93^rd minute to undeservedly nick the point for the hosts.

Full Time: Southend United 2 - 1 Tranmere Rovers

John made a number of saves to keep Tranmere in the game especially in the first half and deserves the Man of the Match in his first game in the first team since August.