Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leicester City. 4
Southend United. 1
JULIAN JOACHIM put the indignity of his sending-off on Saturday behind him at Filbert Street last night at the expense of Southend. The 18- year-old Leicester prodigy scored twice as Brian Little's side edged closer to a place in the First Division play-offs for the second year running.
It was the seventh successive home win for Leicester, who now need two points from three games to qualify for the secondary promotion contest. By contrast, Barry Fry's new team have it all to do if they are not to be leading him back to Barnet in the Second Division next season.
Joachim, dubiously dismissed at Swindon, took only two minutes to purge himself of any lingering frustration. Paul Sansome, the Southend keeper, parried a Richard Smith header from Steve Thompson's free- kick only for the diminutive striker to lash the loose ball high into the net from five yards.
Steve Walsh volleyed powerfully over Sansome's bar as Leicester sought to capitalise on Southend's early unease while another Thompson set-piece followed a similar trajectory. Kevin Poole's goal was not threatened until the 27th minute when Brett Angell netted but was marginally offside.
Southend hit a post in their next attack through Martin Hall's shot on the turn, and when Keith Jones advanced to fire a foot wide of Poole's opposite upright, the home support became restive.
The decibel count was increased by Joachim's swivel and shot which thudded into a defender's thigh, but Leicester clearly needed a second goal to subdue spirited opponents.
Joachim's persistence and elasticity nearly conjured a goal from nothing after 47 minutes when he snaked out a leg to dispossess Jones. His centre was perfect; not so Thompson's diving header, which flew wide.
But within eight minutes, the miss was forgotten as Leicester trebled their advantage. First, Sansome blocked Walsh's header and looked on aghast as Andy Edwards knocked the rebound into his own net. Almost immediately, Thompson sent Joachim clear to score the 12th goal of his brief career with a stunning low drive.
Stan Collymore, Southend's pounds 2m- rated forward, then drew two fine saves from Poole, although Angell followed up to score when the keeper was unable to hold the second, stinging effort. But Walsh restored the somewhat flattering three-goal margin with an injury-time back-header, his 11th goal in 13 matches. Leicester City: Poole; Mills, Whitlow, Smith (James, 65), Walsh, Hill, Oldfield, Thompson, Agnew (Grayson, 74), Joachim, Philpott.
Southend United: Sansome; Edwards, Powell, Jones, Scully, Prior, Ansah (Sussex, 61), Martin (Cornwell, 61), Hall, Collymore, Angell.
Referee: K Hackett (Sheffield).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments