Southend send Red Devils crashing

Tuesday, 07, Nov 2006 10:53

A sensational free-kick from Freddy Eastwood dumped Manchester United out of the Carling Cup as the Premiership side lost 1-0 away to Championship strugglers Southend United.

Opposing manager Steve Tilson had hoped that Sir Alex Ferguson would field some of his big-name stars for the trip to Roots Hall and his wish was granted as Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo all started.

The Southend public were treated to an early sighter from Rooney as he warmed the palms of Darryl Flahavan with a 20-yard curling effort with ten minutes gone

Not long after the 21-year old forward was testing the 'keeper again with a volley from just outside the box, but Flahavan gathered confidently once more.

Tilson had hoped the encounter would at least provide a chance for his fans to marvel at the skills of some of the world's best players but expectations took a dramatic change for the better for the Shrimpers' faithful on 26 minutes.

Eastwood, who has already struck nine times for his side this season, powered home a ferocious free-kick which flew past Tomas Kuszczak for the most important of the lot.

The home team almost immediately surrendered their lead when United youngster David Jones saw a shot cannon away to safety off the inside of the post.

Ronaldo looked far from intimidated by the unfamiliar situation and twice forced fine saves from Flahavan as the Red Devils pressed forward in ever-growing numbers.

Their increasing desperation saw gaps grow at the back and Eastwood and Efe Sodje both had fine chances to seal the game before a heroic last few minutes rearguard action saw them home for a famous triumph.