Southend United v Kidderminster Harriers, 12 September 2000

Kidderminster were the happier outfit following this first meeting of the clubs as the Harriers ended a run of three goalless games. Southend have now gone eight games without a win. It could have been much worse for the Shrimpers though as, already in arrears, Alan Little's team was reduced to ten men for nearly all of the second half. Kevin Maher was dismissed for a second bookable offence by former Premiership whistler Danson. Southend were clearly second best upto that point, but improved dramatically to earn a deserved point with the fourth goal of Leo Roget's career. The big defender strode forward from deep to rattle a 25-yard right foot scorcher into the top left corner. Fellow centre back Mark Shail had given Kiddy the lead with his first senior goal in five years. Garry Cross conceded an unnecessary corner. Gary Barnett swung in the left flank kick for Shail to outjump Roget. Having looked so comfortable, the Harriers were left hanging on to their hard earned reward.