After several recent away reversals Town fans were understandably looking for a solid performance against one of our promotion rivals. Two coach loads of CTSA travellers left the Broadfield at 4pm bound for Roots Hall, Southend.  Good progress was made around the M25 and along the A13 arriving at 6.15pm. We won’t mention the A127 which was a shambles- and we’d like to thank the staff at Toby Carvery for looking after us- and Kyle!

Two regular CTSA travellers and friend Nigel Salter (front left) visiting from North Carolina

The CTSA Travel Team have been focusing on developing a younger clientèle. It certainly worked last Monday as there were a large collection of youngsters on coach two.  Mitch Moylan (15) of Three Bridges is a regular away traveller. He explained, “there are more and more of us travelling on the coaches these days and its great fun, we try to create a noisy atmosphere in the grounds (and on the coach!) and spur the team to victory.”

The match kicked off under rain lashed skies and a heavy breeze. It was good to see Kyle in the stand with us, but a real shame he wasn’t on the pitch. He was walking with a noticeable limp, so we don’t expect his return will be speedy, unfortunately.

Keith Moon of Crawley- did you hear him on the telly?!

Town got off to a great start and attacked with style. That pattern continued through out the game but despite Southend finishing with 9 players we just couldn’t find a winning goal.  The best chance fell to Billy Clarke from the penalty spot, unfortunately the goalkeeper guessed right and got lucky.  246 Town fans can be very proud of the backing they gave the team through out.  They produced a rocking atmosphere and a whole barrage of songs. It was really exciting to be in the away end- and we all hope that those of you who couldn’t be there heard us loud and long on tv!

By 10pm we were back on board the coaches and travelling up the A13.  Jack Hope (15) of East Grinstead (a season ticket holder) was travelling with his dad, Rob.  He reflected,”it was a really good performance this evening but it was a real shame that we couldn’t score that winning goal.  Billy Clarke hit the penalty quite well but the keeper guessed right and saved with his legs.”  As to the future, he said, “unless we secure a proven goal scorer then automatic promotion might be beyond us this season however I think there is every chance of a play off place.  It would be an exciting climax to the season and a trip to Wembley would be fantastic!”  He concluded, “I am really glad we made the effort this evening- both dad and I have enjoyed ourselves.”

Jack Hope and dad Rob back at the Broadfield

At £10 return it proved to be a successful and cost effective trip for CTSA travellers.  We were back in Crawley for 11.15pm.  Dennis Verlander (81) of North Gate, summed up “we had a comfortable journey and it was excellent value for money.” Roll on Saturday and our trip to Macclesfield!

Words and pictures from Colin Bowman, CTSA Press Officer

The bloke bottom left seems to be in lots of our pics. Do you think he's stalking us?!