Midson hits back in Southend scalp

On-loan forward Jack Midson scored twice in the opening 15 minutes to give Southend a victory at Cheltenham to make it third time lucky for the Shrimpers.
The striker has endured a torrid time, being criticised by fans and the media since joining in November, but his early brace lifted Southend to four points clear of the relegation zone.
But the result was marred by the absence of assistant manager Tommy Widdrington, with rumours circulating that he has left the club.
After the original match was abandoned due to floodlight failure in early November and the rearranged tie postponed, it took Southend just eight minutes to get the lead at Whaddon Road in fortunate circumstances.
Ryan Hall’s fine cross from the left was met by Midson, and the Oxford loanee’s effort took a large deflection of Robins defender David Bird to wrong-foot the goalkeeper and put Southend into the ascendancy.
It was the first time Blues had taken the lead in any match since their last victory, a 1-0 win over Rotherham in late October, and the lead was doubled when another decent ball in, this time by Sean Clohessy from the right, was converted by Midson on the turn to leave the home fans shocked.
Cheltenham are enjoying a far better season than Blues and had lost just once on home turf so far, but it was Southend who continued to press and Midson could have had a hat-trick when he again met a Clohessy cross, but this time sent the ball over the bar.
The ex-Salisbury right back could have scored himself on 21 minutes but saw his shot tipped round the post by Scott Brown, and the goalkeeper thwarted Bilel Mohsni from the resulting flag-kick.
Josh Low had a good chance for the home side when he was sent through on goal, but he could not beat Glenn Morris, and at the other end, Anthony Grant, one of six changes to the side, had a header cleared off the goal-line.
Blues had welcomed back Grant and Mohsni from suspension and had also brought in Midson and Blair Sturrock in attack and Johnny Herd into the back four.
Southend continued their dominance into the second half, Ryan Hall and Midson both shooting wide and Mohsni again proving a threat going forward, having an effort cleared off the line.
Blair Sturrock also went close on two occasions after winning his place back with a goal at Burton on Saturday.
However, injuries to Josh Simpson and Bilel Mohsni will give Paul Sturrock cause for concern, and the Blues boss made little comment about Widdrington’s absence after the game.
The Scotsman told BBC Essex that it was a “personal matter” which he expected to be sorted out in a day or two.
The fans, however, will be less than convinced. At least they enjoyed a fine performance and terrific and timely win to lift their spirits ahead of the busy Christmas period.

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