Southend United suffered their first pre-season defeat of the year at Roots Hall last night as a goal in each half from Paul Ifill and new-boy Jody Morris handed Millwall a well deserved 2-0 win.
Eyes down - Tes Bramble shields the ball from his marker Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
The Shrimpers setback followed triumphs against non-league duo -- East Thurrock United and Canvey -- but, after an incredibly early strike from Ifill, the home-side failed to hurt their London opponents who, like Blues, also appeared at the Millennium Stadium towards the end of the previous campaign.
In fact Ifill's opener came from the game's first attack, with just 80 seconds on the clock, as the Lions long serving winger raced onto the ball after Shrimpers skipper Kevin Maher had been caught in possession by Morris.
The Brighton-born flankster then brushed aside the attentions of Nicky Nicolau before prodding a low eight yard effort past the advancing Bart Griemink.
Former Rayleigh Boys striker Neil Harris then sent a 20 yard shot sailing over the South Stand cross bar and, in the 35th minute, he came even closer to doubling the Millwall lead with a powerful low drive which Griemink gathered at the second attempt.
Ifill then saw a well-struck long range shot drift just past the right post before the Blues hit back on the stroke of half time, with Lions keeper Andy Marshall tipping a curling Mark Gower free kick over the cross bar.
After the break, Blues substitute keeper Darryl Flahavan spectacularly palmed away a skimming header from Danny Dichio.
But, in the 65th minute, the former Southampton custodian was unable to prevent the Lions extending their advantage as former Chelsea midfielder Morris raced onto a Dave Livermore through ball to fire a low, left foot shot into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
In reply, Michael Husbands then skied a 20 yard shot, while Ifill fired an effort of a similar distance straight at Flahavan in the closing action of a largely uneventful encounter.
Published Thursday July 22, 2004
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