Southend United Supporters Clubs yesterday showed their Blues heroes a thing or two about winning at Roots Hall.
While the Shrimpers first team suffered a depressing home run without a win at the end of their Nationwide League Third Division season, Blues fans went to the ground and enjoyed major success.
The occasion was the top Southend Sunday League knockout competition final of the season - the Section A League Cup -- and SUSC triumphed 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out.
Southend Supporters had already won the Division One title, but many thought they may have bitten off more than they could chew when they were pitched against Premier side Southend Academicals for the trophy in front of a 300-strong crowd.
The game produced some fine football and, after weathering some early pressure, Blues fans came more into the game. With Benson on top form, they went ahead through a 22nd minute Wilkins penalty.
Academicals kept the Southend Supporters defence busy after the interval and forced seven corners. Then, a minute from the end of normal time, Dalgarno grabbed the vital equaliser to take the game into extra-time.
A great header from Benfield eight minutes into the extra period saw Blues fans back in front - only for Dalgarno to again equalise for minutes later.
Southend Supporters goalkeeper Elliott produced some great late saves to keep his side level at the end of the extra half-hour and was again the spot-kick hero with two more outstanding stops.
With Blues fans netting four penalties they took the trophy and celebrated with the League thanking Southend United for the use of its facilities.
Roots Hall glory - Southend fans celebrate cup final joy
Pictures: LUAN MARSHALL
Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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