Trialist hitman Rocky Baptiste delivered the knock-out blow as Southend United's second-string beat runaway Avon Insurance Combination league leaders Crystal Palace at Roots Hall.
The Farnborough Town striker, who netted at Premiership giants Arsenal in a 5-1 FA Cup defeat earlier this season, set up Blues forward Tes Bramble for the first goal, before stealing in for the winner yesterday afternoon.
Making an impression - triallist Rocky Baptiste was the star of the show as Southend reserves beat Crystal Palace Picture: TERENCE BUNCH
And caretaker Shrimpers boss Stewart Robson said he wanted to have another look at the Conference League forward in next Monday's Roots Hall reserve fixture against Gillingham.
"Rocky did very well and I certainly want him to come back next week," said Robson. "He made a goal and scored a goal, but I was also very pleased with his link-up play and heading of the ball as well.
"Everything is up in the air at the moment because we are waiting to find out who the new manager will be at Southend.
"But it is my responsibility to keep things ticking over and after the way Rocky played we will be sending a scout to Farnborough's game at the weekend."
Robson went on to praise the whole team, who notched their fourth successive Avon Combination success, as well as stretching their unbeaten league run to an impressive six games.
Blues' reserves, who moved into the top ten, also prevented Palace from winning the second-string league. They needed three points at Roots Hall to clinch the title.
Blues took the lead after nine minutes when Baptiste knocked a long goal-kick from Danny Gay into the path of Bramble, who drilled inside the left post from 12-yards.
The south Londoners equalised seven minutes later when frontman Kerim Bashkal turned sharply in the box and powered past a helpless Gay.
Baptiste then notched the winner on 74 minutes.
Hard working Fulham midfielder Eddie McClemence was fouled on the edge of the Palace box, allowing Tilson to play a quick free-kick to Stuart Thurgood.His low right wing centre was slid home by Baptiste from close range.
Published Wednesday, April 9, 2003
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