With roughly 3 and a half times our usual attendance figure, for the mathematicians out there, if this trend continues in about five weeks time we will be roughly as big as the London Marathon. Some of our volunteers are still lying in a darkened room to recover from the shock.
Normally we would list all of our first timers in the run report, but today there were forty of them and to be honest the run report will look just like the phone book if we list them today. (Youngsters, get an adult to explain what the phone book is.)
Today really was amazing. It was lovely to see so many people.
The event as ever can’t run without our amazing volunteers. Today they worked even harder than usual and stepped up to the occasion. This week our high-vis heroes were: Barrie Jones, Claire Cerson, Erica Howard-Spitzer, Gearldine Gapes, Helen Walker, Jada Fuller, Jessica Walker, Jolyne Ellis, Kathy Shore, Lizzie Hotson, Emma Milligan, Marissa Ash, Steven Churchyard, Stuart Avis, Thomas Farmer and Nigel Walker.
So onto the actual run itself. For the first time ever, our first finisher was recorded as unknown. We know who it was as they are a regular but for some reason they chose not to scan. If you want to be added in, then drop us a line and we will put you into the results.
This means that the first recorded finisher for the boys was Muhammed Khan in a time of 8:32. For the girls it was Poppy Rolfe in a time of 8:39. Well done to you both.
Liam A, Elliot D, Gage P, Tommy R, James W, Sophia H, Layla A, Florence C, Saskia F and Brooke B. Well done everybody. Great running.
Today was also a milestone celebration day. Elle Fulton received her Ultra Marathon wristband for completing her 50th junior parkrun. Well done Elle.
We should also mention the remarkable Barrie Jones. Today was his 99th occasion volunteering. Barrie also volunteers at Wickford parkrun, which is where he will be for his 100th. Nevertheless we need to say a huge thank you for being a key member of our team.
Volunteering is great fun. None of the jobs are difficult. If you would like to join us then get in touch via our home page.
A huge well done to everyone involved in today’s event, runners, volunteers, spectators, City of Southend Athletics Club and all the parents that brought their children here.
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Copyright Southend United FC 2024
This Saturday, July 13, sees Blues begin their campaign with a pre-season friendly against Great Wakering Rovers, kicking off at 3pm.
This comes in addition to four other pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Maher’s side are looking to pick up where they left off last term, with an impressive run-in towards the end of the season. We finished in 9th place last season; however, without the 10-point deduction, Blues would have secured an impressive 6th place finish, enough to be in play-off places.
Fans can look forward to their first chance to see new signings, Josh Walker and Joe Gubbins, in action. They will be looking to make an instant impact for the Shrimpers. Walker joins from Burton Albion, and Gubbins joins as a free agent after being released by Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
Great Wakering Rovers were finalists in the Isuzu FA Vase last season, losing to Romford in the final. This came along with an impressive league season for the Essex Senior League outfit, winning 20 games across the 38-game season and finishing three points away from the final play-off berth.
The Rovers were in the Isthmian League in the 2022/23 season, where they were narrowly relegated by one point.
Our last meeting with the Rovers came in July 2021 when we ran out 2-0 winners. A meeting of note was 10 years ago, in July 2014, where the Blues secured a 5-0 victory. Jack Payne and Myles Weston were among those on the scoresheet that day. Countless friendly matches have taken place between the two sides.
It is pay on the day only, with Great Wakering accepting card or cash at the turnstiles.
Adults £10Concessions £612-16 year olds £2Under-12s £1
The bar and the turnstiles will be open from 1pm.
Speaking to us on Thursday, the boss said: "The lads have come back really fit in terms of weights and body fats, which allows us to go into football straight away. I’m very pleased with all of them, in terms of how they have returned.
"There will be 45 minutes for most people, since it’s their first one and we haven’t played a game for over two months. It will be a good exercise as it always is over at Wakering.”
Rochford District Council has proudly celebrated this year’s most exceptional individuals at the annual Citizen of the Year Awards. The prestigious event took place last Friday, at the Mill Arts and Events Centre, as part of a Civic Dinner dedicated to honouring those who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.
Recognising achievements across five categories, the evening highlighted the selfless efforts of individuals who have gone above and beyond to support and uplift those around them.
Young Citizen of the Year: Tilly Wilkinson
Community Spirit Award: Louise Berry-Wright
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Southend United’s pre-season campaign got underway with a comfortable 5-0 win away at Essex Senior League outfit Great Wakering Rovers.
The Shrimpers went in at the break two goals to the good thanks to a well-taken Jack Wood finish and a Harry Cardwell header, before adding three goals to their tally late in the second half thanks to Piers Hatcliff, Joe Poxon and Gus Scott-Morriss.
Josh Walker started to make his debut for the club and there were two trialists in the starting 11. The team was rotated at half time with a host of changes including Gus Scott-Morriss, Nathan Ralph, Joe Gubbins and Cav Miley coming in.
It was a dominant start from Kevin Maher’s side at the home of the FA Vase finalists with Mikey Faulkner sending a curling effort just over from 20 yards in the opening exchanges.
Blues next threatened when following some good link-up play between Wood, Harry Taylor and Trialist B the latter fired an effort across the face of goal but off target from a narrow angle.
Within a minute of this the Shrimpers again went close with a Wood attempt from range being parried away by Bhamra but only as far as Walker who could only fire the rebound over.
However, Wakering would be unable to keep Southend at bay for much longer and just prior to the half hour mark the deadlock was broken.
Walker slipped Wood in behind and the 21-year-old rolled the ball beneath Bhamra and into the back of the net, this being the second successive year in which the youngster has scored in Blues’ opening game of pre-season.
Seven minutes after this the visitors doubled their lead.
A Trialist B cross found Cardwell in a pocket of space in the box and last season’s top scorer had the simple task of heading home from six yards out to make it 2-0.
The only dampener on the first half was Taylor being forced off through injury following a cut to the forehead – Adam Crowther came on in his place.
Half Time: Great Wakering Rovers 0-2 Southend United
It was a quiet start to the second period at Burroughs Park with the first opportunity not coming until the hour mark.
Following a quick break, a Wood cross found Scott-Morriss at the near post but the defender was unable to direct his effort towards goal.
A few minutes later it was time for his defensive partner, Ralph, to go close to making it 3-0 when he had a strike from range beaten behind by George Martin.
With just over 20 minutes to go, Scott-Morriss again went close with his free-kick hitting the underside off the crossbar and dropping the wrong side of the goal line for Blues with Wakering able to clear the danger.
Southend woudl eventually make it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
Ronnie Blake played a through ball to Hatlciff who was brought down by a Wakering defender.
The man who won the penalty then took it with Hatcliff confidently dispatching his penalty past Martin.
This was then followed up by a fourth Southend goal a few minutes later with Poxon converting a Scott-Morriss cross at the near post and into the bottom corner.
There was still time for a fifth goal with Scott-Morriss lashing home a Nathan Ralph cross off the underside of the crossbar and in at the back post.
Full Time: Great Wakering Rovers 0-5 Southend United
Blues return to action on Tuesday night with a trip to Canvey Island.
GoalsGreat Wakering: NoneSouthend United: Wood 29’, Cardwell 36’, Hatcliff 79p’, Poxon 85’, Scott-Morriss 90’
Southend UnitedFirst half: Trialist A, Kensdale, Taylor (Crowther 44’), Shobowale, Coker, Faulkner, MacDonald, Wood, Trialist B, Walker, Cardwell
Second half: Trialist A (Brown 63’), Gubbins, Ralph, Crowther, Miley, Trialist B (Hatcliff 63’), Scott-Morriss, Blake, MacDonald (Shobowale 80'), Faulkner, Wood (Poxon 63’)
New signing Josh Walker makes his debut for Blues in this afternoon's pre-season friendly with Great Wakering Rovers.
The line-up for today is: Harry Taylor, Ollie Kensdale, Ola Shobowale, Oli Coker, Beau MacDonald, Jack Wood, Mikey Faulkner, Harry Cardwell and Walker. Two trialists also start for the Shrimpers.
Also in the squad are Nathan Ralph, Joe Gubbins, Adam Crowther, Cav Miley, Gus Scott-Morriss, Piers Hatcliff, Joe Poxon and Ronnie Blake.
Takeley or Barking v Woodford Town or Great Wakering Rovers
Thurlow Nunn First Division South Play-Off Final
Herongate Athletic v Catholic United Reserves
South Woodham Ferrers United v Herongate Athletic Reserves
Harold Hill Reserves v Brentwood Town Development
ATF Southend (S) v South Essex United Reserves
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Hashtag United Development 2-4 Runwell Sports
Kelvedon Hatch 1-1 Herongate Athletic (Herongate Athletic won 5-4 on penalty)
South Essex United Reserves 1-8 Catholic United Reserves
Pitsea Athletic 4-5 Old Southendian Reserves
Runwell Sports Reserves 5-2 Wakering Sports Reserves
Bishop’s Stortford Swifts Reserves 3-4 Galleywood Reserves
Rochford Town 2-2 Herongate Athletic Reserves
Harold Hill Reserves 4-2 Herongate Athletic A
Old Chelmsfordians Reserves 1-2 Leytonstone United
South Essex United 3-0 Southend Collegians
ATF Southend (S) 3-1 Southend Collegians Reserves
Rochford Town Reserves 3-3 Leigh Ramblers A
Southend United boss Kevin Maher was delighted with Blues’ first pre-season game against Great Wakering, and was also glad that some of the youth team players got their first-team debuts over the weekend.
Upon being asked for his views on how the first pre-season game went, Maher said: \"In the end, [the game] is comfortable, but it’s lovely to come here and bring so many fans to a traditional preseason game that we’ve always had, and it’s nice to do it again. The people at Great Wakering made us feel so welcome, so we're pleased with the whole experience.
“You know, it’s been a while since that last game of the season so, just nice to get out playing football again. You can see that it’s been a while, but it’s nice obviously to get a few goals and a clean sheet and get bodies through more or less unscathed, which is always important. So, for the whole day and first pre-season game, it went well.”
Under-19 players Beau MacDonald and Ronnie Blake featured in the first team after having had limited experience last term, and youth team players Mikey Faulkner, Piers Hatcliff, Joe Poxon, and Charlie Brown also got minutes. When asked about the academy, Maher expressed his views on how beneficial it is for the youth team players to have experience playing in the first team.
“I think the more they’re around the senior players, they teach them good habits in the game and all the intricacies of football and what goes into becoming a footballer. I'm pleased for them because it’s always a chance in preseason just to let people know who you are who you are and what you can do.”
Additionally, an update was given regarding Harry Taylor’s injury which resulted in him being subbed off for Adam Crowther in the first half.
“It was a pretty deep cut, so he went to hospital to get stitches, so we’ll just see how he is once we get a report back on that.”
Finally, Maher also gave an insight into Southend United’s recruitment, particularly after goalkeeping coach David Martin’s departure.
“Yeah, I think you can see where we’re short. Obviously Dave Martin moving on means we need another keeper and a goalie coach, so that’s ongoing. The backroom team needs another body in another area, and probably need three or four players to come in we believe.”
As ever the recreation ground was bathed in sunshine on what was going to be the hottest day of the year (until tomorrow.) Despite the heat, 45 parkrunners completed the 9th parkrun in what is now firmly established as the World’s greatest sporting event. Numbers were still a little lower than usual due to the holiday season, but a huge well done to everyone who completed the course.
This week we had 4 first timers: Leo Hickey, Joshua Douglas, Henry Baker and George Browne. Welcome to the parkrun family. We hope to see you again.
First finishers this week were Leo Hickey on his first time. (Must have a good coach!) and Maisy Coath keeping up her streak of being first female finisher. Congratulations to both of you!
The hot weather meant that personal bests were few and far between, but the following runners achieved it: Abigail Street, Elle Fulton (fresh from last week’s milestone wristband,) Benji Butler, Ella-Beth Milligan (who smashed over a minute off her time), Lauren Pearson, Murphy Farr and Matthew Ellis. A great effort on such a hot day.
As ever, junior parkrun cannot happen without the hi-vis heroes, our volunteers. This week they were: Andy Knight, Anne Stuart, Claire Cerson, Debra Porter, Gary Beeston, Greame Reynolds, Harley Reynolds, Helen Walker, Jessica Walker, Lizzie Hotson, Mark Pinney, Nigel Walker (who rose like Lazarus to be there), Paul Coleman, Tanya Olivier and Yupa Beeston.
If you would like to volunteer, please get in touch at the usual e-mail address. It’s easy, full training will be given and you will spend the rest of your life with a great sense of well-being*.
We look forward to seeing you all next week.
Blues play their second pre-season game against Isthmian League Premier Division side Canvey Island at Park Lane
This comes after an emphatic 5-0 win at Great Wakering Rovers on Saturday
and Maher’s side will be looking to pick up right where they left off
with three goals in the last 10 minutes at Burroughs Park
New signings Josh Walker and Joe Gubbins were in action on Saturday
with Walker starting the game and Gubbins coming on at half-time
threading a great ball in behind for Jack Wood and getting an assist for his efforts
helping to keep a clean sheet and progress the ball up the pitch
Canvey finished in 14th place in the Isthmian League
the Gulls finished in 3rd place and were incredibly close to securing promotion
Our last outing with Canvey came last pre-season
winning 1-0 with a header from Gus Scott-Morriss
Southend and Canvey have faced off in the FA Cup in the past
with a last-minute winner from Jay Smith seeing the Blues win a first round replay 3-2 in 2003
with Canvey accepting card or cash at the turnstiles
The bar in the clubhouse also accepts card or cash
Free parking is available at Park Lane stadium
Additional parking can be found of the side roads orbiting the ground
but Canvey ask those exercising this option to be respectful of their neighbours
Canvey strongly recommend against parking on Park Lane itself to allow potential quick access for any emergency vehicles
It is likely to be a similar squad to the one that faced Wakering
Two trialists and several under-19 players were involved in that one
Jack Bridge and Danny Waldron all missing out
Harry Taylor will be assessed after suffering a cut to his forehead
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Romford secured the 2024 Isuzu FA Vase as they defeated Great Wakering Rovers 3-0 at Wembley
with striker Hassan Nalbant scoring a brace
After losing in the Essex Senior Football League play-offs
Romford were looking for a change their luck and they begun the first half well
Finley Dorrell coming closest on the half hour mark with a left-footed effort
with the latter testing Rovers stopper Luis Shamshoum
whose sharp stop at his near post kept things all square going into the break
Romford finally found the goal they had been pushing for
Morris threading a superb ball through to Nalbant
who calmly slotted home with the inside of his left boot
And a couple of minutes later Dan Spinks’ side had doubled their lead
A Rovers penalty appeal was ignored by referee Will Finnie and Romford wasted no time in breaking down the other end
Dorrell’s shot was straight at Shamshoum but Deering was on hand to place the rebound into the far corner
Opponent Great Wakering continued to push but were unable to beat Jake Anderson between the sticks
with Callum Boylan and substitute Anthony Martin missing golden opportunities
And Romford wrapped up victory in stoppage time when Nalbant completed a brace
Great Wakering Rovers FC: 1 Luis Shamshoum (GK)
Substitutes: 11 Dominic Locke for 14 Gnandi 62’
Substitutes: 16 Toheeb Elegushi for 11 Dorrell 67’
13 Ashaan Siddick for 8 Pinto 72’
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