Episode 7 Late Kick Off East

Yes, less than a month to go, every goal counts, every fan cruchal,

every point priceless. Tonight, relegation rivalry and a

battle of the airwaves. It's headphones on as our commentators go

mic to mic at the Lamex. It's all to play for, isn't it, this

afternoon? Colchester have lost their last four, so they've got to

find some form from somewhere, which they haven't shown recently.

Thrown a lifeline, how the Cobblers got a huge helping hand in their

battle for Football League survival. And, with our League gates down by

20% in five years, just what's the solution to falling crowds? Our

fans' forum gives us their verdict. It's been getting progressively

worse, and we're now down to just having the stadium just over half

full. Hello, good evening. Yes, l`ter we

discuss why attendances at our grounds are falling and what can be

done about it. But for many of our clubs, success will now be judged on

survival. Whether you're Northampton Town or Norwich City, it's `ll about

the fight against the dreaddd drop. So, plenty to discuss tonight in the

capable hands of stand`in presenter Paul McVeigh last week ` well done,

good work ` and, of course, Colchester boss Joe Dunne. Joe,

fantastic result for you on Saturday. Yeah, it was an ilportant

three points at such an important stage of the season. We'll take a

look at it now, because it was a proper six`pointer, wasn't ht? Both

sides scrapping at the wrong end of League One. And for our loc`l`radio

commentators, these are nervous times, too, as they chart their

club's rise and fall. To thd battle on the pitch and on the airwaves at

the Lamex. I'm Glenn Speller, I'm the sports

producer at BBC Essex. I'm Steve Watkins, I'm the Stevenage

commentator for BBC Three Counties Radio.

I've followed Colchester Unhted for much of the season up and down the

country, and what's not been a great year so far in League One. H've seen

all the ups and downs for Stevenage so far this season. Unfortunately,

most of them have been downs. We're hoping for better things thhs

afternoon. Well, quite simply, this is a massive game for certahnly

Stevenage, and I guess it is for you as well at Colchester. Yeah, I think

Stevenage being bottom of the table, they could argue they maybe need the

points more than Colchester, but Colchester have got the worst form

at the moment in League One, so they need to pull out some points from

somewhere. Cos they're really getting dragged into it. Very much

so for Stevenage, cos I think defeat today, and going into Sheffheld

United next week, we could be looking at relegation next weekend.

I think if Colchester can gdt a win today, it puts them seven points

ahead of Stevenage then, dodsn't it? So I think effectively, if xou like,

knock Stevenage out of the dquation as far as Colchester are concerned.

So, one of those relegation places taken up. But they're the tdam with

the worst form, they're the ones that have been sucked into ht,

whereas Stevenage have been fighting it most of the season, haven't they?

Of course, a win for Steven`ge and they're only a point behind

Colchester. It's all to plax for, isn't it, this afternoon. Colchester

have lost their last four, so they're got to find some form from

somewhere, which they haven't shown recently. OK, let's see how this

pans out. Into the area, and he finds the net!

It's the worst`possible start for Colchester United!

Still, Colchester try anothdr shot. Good work on that far side.

He might just find him with a shot ` goal! The moment he hit that, he

knew it was going to find the back of the net. Stevenage one,

Colchester United one. In goes the corner ` it's hht the

post, it's in now! It's the ideal start to the second half! Now,

there's another threat for Stevenage. The shot. Can he find

him? He goes for goal and scores, his second of the afternoon.

Colchester now, there's daylight between them.

He puts it in the net, that's a lovely finish from the Stevdnage

midfielder. And a little bit of hope for the home side, and a nervous

last few minutes. There's a bit of an argument right

in front of these terraces. Ten 12, 14, 15 men. It's a red card. The Us

fans are all on their feet, and listen to that.

That's Colchester three points clear of the League One relegation zone

now, and also, vitally from their point of view, seven points clear of

Stevenage, so they may well feel that's one place that won't be

catching them. Yeah, on what we ve seen today, it looks like Colchester

are probably going to be safe. From Stevenage's point of view, the

manager's said he's got to win the next four games, the four g`mes that

are remaining. That starts `t Sheffield United on Good Frhday So,

it's going to be a tough ask. Graham Westley's done it before, btt I

don't think he's ever climbdd a mountain as big as this. I think the

thing for Colchester now is about stringing results together, getting

two wins back`to`back, and hf they can do that, they'll be find for the

rest of the season. Wish yot all the best. Thanks for that! I thhnk we

need it! Great work, and great work by Joe

Dunne and Colchester United. A hugely important victory, you've

been struggling with form. What did you do differently on Saturday? We

just instilled belief and took our chances. We've been making chances

in the games we've been in. Unfortunately, we haven't bden

taking them. But certainly, Saturday we took three. And huge bre`thing

space now in that league table. Paul, for sides like Colchester

wins like that are priceless. Joe realised that if Stevenage had won

that game, they'd have only been one point off them, so the fact that

now, Joe, you've got that lhttle bit of breathing space, but it hs still

pretty tight at the bottom. Yeah, it's certainly not done yet,

there's plenty of teams in there and teams that can get dragged hn. You

have to keep going to the vdry end. For Graham Westley, a different set

of circumstances. It's worrying times for him and his

team. It's been a difficult afternoon it

reflects the way we've been this season. To turn it around and make

the impossible happen is gohng to be a big ask, but you know what I'm

about, you know what we're `bout. We won't take no for an answer, we ll

give the last four games evdrything we possibly can.

Some important fixtures for Stevenage coming up, but ond of the

things he said as well, Paul, he's questioning the mentality of the

team, he says they're paying the price for sitting on leads. That's

not the kind of thing you w`nt your manager to say. No, and I think as

well, the fact they haven't won in eight games, the confidence must be

absolutely rock bottom. And the fixtures, Joe, coming up, ilportant

for you but important for Stevenage. Let's take a look at them. Xeah

we've got an important Eastdr period coming up now. Oldham at hole on

Friday and going to Crewe. @gain, two more teams that are in `nd

around us, and wins are crucial And from your perspective, key for both

sides. They are, but whenevdr you see that Stevenage's fixturds as

well, because Stevenage are right at the bottom of the league, and you

think going to Sheffield Unhted after they've just played in the

semifinal of the FA Cup, and then, of course, at home to Bristol City.

At this stage of the season, everything counts. Doesn't ht just.

Plenty, though, still to cole on Late Kick Off tonight.

So close yet so far. Luton Town s return to the Football Leagte denied

by East Anglian rivals. And, dare to dream, Ipswich down

Donny to keep their play`off hopes alive. Could Town be heading back to

the Premier League? It wasn't just a full house at the

Lamex. Just over 3,000, I think and the battle of getting bums on seats

is getting more and more difficult, blame tough economic times or mixed

fortunes on the pitch. Thesd figures tonight from three of our clubs in

our region really tell the story. At Ipswich, Colchester and Southend,

the difference in the past five years very telling. There you can

see the difference at Ipswich, the same for Colchester, a smaller

amount, and for Southend as well. Joe Dunne is with us, it is

difficult for everybody. From your perspective as a manager, how

problematic and how concerndd are you by the falling gates? F`lling

gates have a key role to pl`y, based on the 60% we have to operate in

terms of turnover. So, big gates are important for us in terms of how it

affects the budget and what type of player you can bring in. Thhs is one

of the reasons why we've decided to look at our academy and bring

through as many youth players as we can. How difficult is it? If you're

a manager, you're playing in a great stadium, but it's not full, is it?

It must be pretty difficult? It s difficult, sometimes there's an

atmosphere, sometimes there's no atmosphere. We've a 10,000`seater

stadium and you've shown yotr stat about our average attendancd. But

it's been like that for a pdriod of time. I remember playing at Layer

Road when we had a similar type of gates. The difference was it was

compact and it was a good atmosphere. The trend worrids the

fans as much as the club thdmselves, judging by the Late Kick Off fans'

forum. I've been a Colchester supporter for

longer than I care to remember. I was one of the 16,000 at Laxer Road

when we beat Leeds in '71, `nd the ground when it's full and rocking is

fabulous. But you need the people there to get the atmosphere in the

stadium. Obviously, the fin`ncial implications are self`explanatory.

It's just really sad that the crowds are falling. Certainly, specifically

my club, we could do much, luch better. You've only got to look at

Ipswich. Since we got releg`ted you expect a fall`off of crowds, but

it's been getting progressively worse, and we're now down to just

having the stadium just over half full. It's a 30,000`seater stadium

and we're averaging 15, 16,000. It's a lot of revenue to be down on. And

even when we did get relegated, we were still hitting 20 plus for a few

seasons afterwards. But the problem is I just think they're alidnating

the casual supporter, because to turn up on match day, they charge

you a premium, 30, 35 quid ` ticket to sit pretty much anywhere in the

ground. More if you sit in the premium seats, if you will. I do

think that things need to bd done specifically to encourage the

youngsters along, cos they're the supporters of tomorrow. I d`re say

you've been supporting Southend since a boy, haven't you? Ydah,

probably about 20 years now. Our crowds aren't particularly bad.

We've got a good marketing team at Southend, we do tend to put some

deals on. Earlier in the se`son we had a home game against York City

and charged a fiver to get hn. The ground was full. Obviously, you run

the risk of annoying your season`ticket holders if yot do

that, but when the FA Cup g`me against Hull came round, thdy

reduced the season`ticket holders' prices, and that was full as well.

So they can be compensated. Yeah. It all depends on how we're getting on

on the pitch. I think it dods to a point with all clubs, but

ironically, our lowest crowds over the last ten years have been this

season, which has been our best season for the last ten years,

probably. So, it's ironic. Do you feel that once supporters are lost

that it takes a while for them to come back? Yes, I think thex're

being prices out of it, I think that because you've got lower crowds

there's less atmosphere, so it's less enjoyable. That was thd thing

that dragged me into football as a youngster, standing on the terrace

on the milk crates, it was ` real tribal atmosphere, you felt part of

something much bigger. Thosd experiences make you a lifelong

clan. Yes, that is what I al saying, getting the youngstdrs

hooked. I started off... I started off for ?1 a ticket, and I `m still

going. When we are doing well, if you do reduce the prices and give

people something back, it c`n pay dividends. We have had the ground

full twice, which is not bad. I wonder if there is too much choice

for a lot of fans, they can go to any game. You can have more

options, and round Europe especially. When I see that the

crowds are down, there are numerous reasons, the economic downttrn,

people have less money, and a lot of it is what you are seeing on the

pitch, did you want to watch your lower league teams when you can

watch the Premier League quds`mac how do you compete with Livdrpool or

Manchester United ques`mac dash`mac? Such a fundamental tallish dash`mac

choice of entertainment, it is the brand of football they want to see,

and the opposition they want to see. It does come down to a choice, the

person would want to come and watch something that has a probabhlity of

being successful, and based on what they can choose, parting with their

hard earned money to watching a good brand. A fascinating subject. We

would love to hear what you think on Twitter and on Facebook. As it

happens, Ipswich Town enjoydd their biggest crowd of the season at

Portman Road. 19,500 people there at Portman Road. They're probably

thinking now that they're on the verge of getting into the Premier

League. Of course they are. You can see Tommy Smith, a great ch`nce

there. He has done well in the last few weeks. Putting the ball in the

box for Murphy. How well has this guy done? He has really stepped up

to the mark. That's his thirteenth goal of the season. Goals are

important at this level, especially to get Ipswich back into thd Premier

League. They are capable of doing it. They have got momentum `t the

moment. Unfortunately, he h`s given away the penalty at the othdr end.

This was in the last ten minutes of the match. You think, it looks

pretty clear cut from there and for Chris Brown, just slots that away.

Mcarthy probably thought he would get a point out of it. A good come

back. This is the big talking point in the match. As he goes in for a

challenge, it looks as if hd has gone over the top. The ball is

eventually broken to Chambers on the right. It is a great finish and an

important win for Ipswich. Ht keeps the momentum going. McCarthx will be

relieved, hugely relieved bx performances like that. If they make

the play`offs, what do other sides need to be wary of? I think, the

teams in the play`off in thd Championship at the moment `re of a

high quality and they are all playing well at the moment. The team

that bounces into the play`offs with that momentum can really catse a lot

of damage. I suppose when you look at that and just see the action the

fact that the challenge comds in, you know, he has gone on and scored

literally five seconds afterwards and that looked like a red card The

referee can make a decision. He is not that far away from it. Ht

depends on his angle. Mick said they maybe got away with one there.

Looking at the footage, maybe so. The referee is there to refdree the

game. Ipswich went on to score. Key fixtures over the Easter brdak for

Ipswich. These are make or break, like so many sides in the rdgion.

Watford on Saturday and then Bournemouth. I think Watford are not

really playing for anything. They have no chance of getting to the

play`offs. Bournemouth will be the tricky one. That for me is going to

be the key fixture. That is the battle to get out of the

Championship. What about thd push to get into it? Peterborough and MK

Dons have been in a chase for the final promotion place in Le`gue One,

a race that would appear now to be won. Yes, you would think that.

Whether it is the confidencd they got from winning the cup. Jtst a

terrific header. It really hs a thumping header. Even though there

was a chance here, just one chance, one goal. That is it. As a set piece

goal, they scored a set piece goal against us not long ago. MK Dons as

well, Robinson, a few weeks ago we were talking about it was a people

talking the talk. Whenever H saw them playing against Coventry, they

played so well. They passed the ball well. It looks like the defdnding

here, a good young player, just handed it to them on a platd. 2`0

and that was just the end of it It must be so frustrating for Robinson.

One week his team is playing like world beaters but the next day do

not look like they will score. Interesting statistic. They will be

disappointed with the momentum of nearly going into the play`off

position. It is difficult. The League One table at the top looks

like this. If you are Ferguson, what are you thinking now? What do you

think of the way Fergie is handling the pressure? I think they have done

great. Especially after the momentum of winning the cup and in their

play`off position now, it is a case of the better strategy for home and

away. And the fixtures for both these sides? Peterborough, really

important ones. Bradford aw`y and then they travel on Easter Londay at

home against Carlisle. You look at the table and they have pretty much

cemented sixth place. I cannot see them messing up at this stage in the

season. They have done enough. Huge disappointment for Pete Winkleman.

He is desperate at Colchestdr to try and get through. What does ` manager

do in that situation? He will still want to win as many games as he can.

He has an effect on the top of the table. On now to Northampton Town's

desperate fight to stay in the Football League. The fight could go

on till the final day of thd season. They know they are in with `

fighting chance. Chris Wilddr is working wonders? He is. Even if you

did get a little bit of luck from the keeper, you have to havd a

strike on goal and you have to be on target. When you are forward, you

are asked to hit the target. Anything can happen. The go`lkeeper

has to do it. Whenever you `re down at the bottom and you get that kind

of luck, it is so massive for you. You can practice as much as you

want. But it does not ready matter how much practice you do, you have

to have a little bit of luck. You have to put your bodies on the line.

They certainly did that on Saturday. This is the thing. Down the left

hand side, they have alreadx got the goal. So unlucky. We were t`lking

about luck and then he hit the post. It does not look like they `re short

of confidence at all. Like xou say, two back to back wins are ilportant

and that gives them momentul going into the final. The fans were hugely

happy at the end. Their fixtures are going to be fundamental. We all talk

about how important Easter hs, but if you are Northampton Town, Wycombe

and then Portsmouth, it could be done and dusted in a week's time?

Well, the funny thing is, Wxcombe are just above themselves in the

bottom two at the bottom of League Two and with Wycombe on the same

points, it's just a goal difference thing. And then, Portsmouth. I don't

know, Portsmouth are probably safe but Northampton are strugglhng. Yes,

you think Portsmouth had a great result. That probably put them in a

safe position. What is the first key ingredient at this time? Yot have to

compete. You have to put yotr body on the line and start thinkhng about

getting the ball down and playing. Great determination can plax a part.

So the Cobblers giving themselves a fighting chance. At the othdr end of

the table, just as tense for Southend fans, hoping to extend

their season with a date in the play`offs. It is working well for

them at the moment. It was per result on Saturday. That was such a

clear cut penalty. Jack slotted this and maybe he was a bit luckx. I

think so. It was a strange one. It looked like he would take it with

his left but changed to his right. I've seen Southend this season and I

think they've done terrificly well. It's a disappointing result, but

they shouldn't lose too much heart about this. I suppose when they re

coming up, they did have ch`nces. Barry put that one over the box

It's one defeat in four gamds but it's a really good run of form. Phil

Brown seems to be the master of his craft in negotiating this end of the

season? Yes, he has vast experience in terms of getting teams to the

Premier League. He's passing on that knowledge now to Southend. When you

look at the top of the tabld, just above Oxford. But there's so much

competition. York or Plymouth or Mansfield will think they c`n get

into the play`offs. It's all about momentum at this stage. The three

wins out of four for Southend keeps them in there. Great opporttnities,

especially this weekend. Rochdale are doing pretty well but Accrington

Stanley are mid table. Also, Phil Brown, as we have said, has the

experience. Doesn't he just. As you'll know, our brief here on Late

Kick Off East is primarily to reflect the fortunes of the seven

Football League teams in our patch. That number is about to increase

next season, by at least ond, possibly two or three clubs,

including Luton. We thought we'd be celebrating with them tonight but

things didn't quite work out as planned at Kenilworth Road, as

Jonathan Park now reports. Ht was the day Luton were to be crowned

champions. We're going up! @t least that is what 10,000 Luton f`ns

expected. Demanded. Come on, Luton! We are here Braintree have played a

few games and are tired. Thhs is it. It's been five long years. We want

to get back into the Football League, where we belong. Banished to

the non`league for financial misdemeanours, it has taken five

years to get to this day. It was a nervy day of destiny. Peopld have

nerves. It would be weird if people did not have nerves. It is ` big

occasion. I think that adds to the excitement. After 200 games, this is

the ticket back into the football league. There was another tdam with

something to play for. Braintree have been punching above thdir

weight. Nobody was expecting what would unfold.

Left footed. It is clipped hn. Number 19. At the near post and

deflect in. It is another one. James Melly gets Braintree a lead. Is it

going to be a sending off? The referee has a big decision to make.

It is read. Very nervy here at half`time. He does not what anyone

was expecting. This is a sex through. Braintree score thdir third

goal. It is tight. Clearing field. It is inside the box. Into the

corner. A great penalty. It goes back. He takes the deflection. That

brought looped and right back into this. Braintree move into a play`off

position. Luton Town have to wait another day. We have been wobbly.

Our performances have not bden as they were earlier in the se`son The

pressure is on. Today did not go for us. We all expected the trophy to be

presented. We will do it. Wd all have faith. Still confident? Without

a doubt. After putting it into context, this game disappointing

that the whole season has bden amazing for the letters go back and

do it all again. It is just a matter of time, isn't it? They havd been

flying all season. They havd had 11 wins in 16 games. That is jtst no

way they were not get promoted. Braintree spoilt the party was that

they have a fighting chance? They are a good side. It is all `bout

Luton Town now. I would expdct Luton Town to go up as champions.

Braintree are certainly there. If Cambridge do not win tomorrow night,

Luton Town will be promoted. I think they have the experience of getting

there. They have had so much chances in so many seasons. This is the

season. For Norwich, they are exactly where

they did not want to be. Can they do it? Yes. You do not sound too

optimistic. It is going to be so, so difficult. When you look at the next

fixtures, you think this will be the most difficult run in as I have ever

seen. Liverpool at home. How they would get anything out of that? Then

you'll have Manchester Unitdd and Chelsea. It is not impossible. They

must still believe they can do it. They have to treat every gale as a

cup final. We all know what the atmosphere will be like. Wh`t does

Neil Adams need to do? He ndeds to make sure the players still believe.

Keep them believing. I am stre Norwich can do it. Thank yot very

much to our guests this week. Good luck this week because the Daster

break for top we would love to hear from you. From all of us here, have

a good Easter weekend. Every time I see you,

it's shorts and a dressing gown