Blues In The News: Southend 4-0 Gillingham

See all the media's reaction from Blues' 4-0 win over Gillingham...

Southend Echo

SOUTHEND United bagged a quartet of first half goals to cruise to a comfortable 4-0 win against Gillingham at Roots Hall yesterday afternoon.

Michael Turner, Theo Robinson, Michael Kightly and Stephen McLaughlin all netted in quick succession as the Shrimpers bounced back from Friday’s 4-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle.

Gills – who had not beaten by Blues in the previous nine meetings between the two teams – also had skipper Lee Martin sent off on the stroke of half-time.

But, by then Southend’s success had already been secured – thanks to their stunning start to the game.

Yellow Advertiser

SOUTHEND UNITED ensured their Sky Bet League One status after recording their biggest victory of the season - hitting four without reply past local rivals Gillingham in a fairly one-sided affair at Roots Hall Stadium.

Chris Powell was looking for a positive response from his side after they suffered their heaviest defeat under his guidance, going down by four unanswered goals at Plymouth Argyle four days previous.

Sky Sports

Southend scored four times in the first 40 minutes to seal an emphatic 4-0 victory over Gillingham.

Michael Turner, Theo Robinson and Michael Kightly were all on-target before 20 minutes had been played while Stephen McLaughlin added a fourth before Gills striker Lee Martin saw red on the stroke of half-time.

Gillingham FC

Four first-half goals and a red card for skipper for Lee Martin saw Gillingham fall to their heaviest defeat of the season against rivals Southend United at Roots Hall on Monday.

Michael Turner, Theo Robinson and Michael Kightly put Southend ahead after just 18 minutes, with McLaughlin adding a fourth towards the end of the half. Gillingham’s misery was further compounded by Tom Eaves seeing a header ruled out by the linesman’s flag and then captain Lee Martin was given a straight red for a high tackle in first-half added time.

Ten-man Gills battled valiantly in the second half and saw another Eaves effort disallowed for offside while restricting the home side to no further goals to limit the damage on a miserable afternoon in Essex.

Kent Online

A woeful Gillingham performance left them well beaten by Southend on Easter Monday.

The Gills had a first half shocker that left them four goals behind and down to 10 men.

Goals from Michael Turner, Theo Robinson and Michael Kightly put Southend 3-0 up after 18 minutes. It got worse before the break as Stephen McLaughlin added a fourth and captain Lee Martin was sent off.

Gillingham struggled to threaten the Southend goal but Tom Eaves did have two efforts ruled out for offside.