Laws purs over teenage kicks

Last updated : 28 August 2005 By Luke Thornhill
Laws
United won the match, which moved them to the top of the League One table ahead of Saturday's games, thanks to a first-half strike from Ian Baraclough.

It followed good work from Sharp and Keogh, as well as midfielder Matty Sparrow.

Laws said: "It was great movement, Keogh and Sharp combined really well.

"For a 19-year-old, Sharp has got a real mature footballing brain. He's seen the run of Bara, dummied it and Bara has gone through and finished it superbly.

"When you think the two strikers are 19, it does bode well for the football club.

"I also felt that Richie Ryan was superb in midfield, his passing was outstanding.

"You don't get many players like that who can play the balls to all sides, he's very deceptive. He got a slight knock but hopefully he'll be alright for Hartlepool (on Bank Holiday Monday)."

The win leaves United flying high having picked up 10 points from their opening five games - 10 more than the 1999/2000 season, which ended in relegation back to the basement division.

But Laws warned that there is still a lot of hard work to be done this season.

He said: "It's great for the football club, but as Cloughie would say: we've done nowt yet.

"I'm pleased for the fans, they've put their hands in their pockets againa nd hopefully we've repaid them.

"We can go into the next game feeling conifdent, and all of a sudden teams look at us differently.

"Last time we were in this League it was the sixth game in before we got a point, we've got to make sure we get a quick foothold and don't let it go."

With Andy Butler and Steve Torpey both missing through injury, Laws was pleased with the way his side adapted.

He added: "I thought the two teams really went for it and showed some great football. Un the first-half we we excpetional, the movement - particulary up front - was excellent.

"We were unlucky not to come in at the break at least a couple of goals up, we hit the woodwork and their keeper made a couple of great saves.

"Southend are a good side, they're a good footbaling side and will be hard to beat this year.

"We've gone from being a very big side to having lost two of our big players, and it can be noticeable - teams will play on that.

"It was important we didnt give too many free-kicks away, because havent got the height we've got to defend well as a unit. They threw everything at it and limited Southend to little scratches of chances.

"We have to be patient with the ball, in the second-half our patience ran out a wee bit.

"They panicked because they were under pressure, we just need to hold the ball up a bit better - and that was the only downfall."

Southend boss Steve Tilson said: "Overall I was disappointed, but we have shown we can live with the teams in this division.

"I was not happy with a couple of decisions, but we have to get on with it.

"We have got some good players, but a few bumps and bruises after the game and we may need some fresh legs, the main thing is to get another win under our belts."