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Town's Peter Brezovan and Chris Blackburn snuff out the threat from Southend dangerman Leon Clarke

CHRIS Allen's tears summed up a harsh end to one of the darkest weeks in Town's history but, with youngsters coming through the ranks like him, a brighter future looks on the cards.

The 18-year-old was left devastated after Mark Gower's 93rd minute curler snatched an unjust victory for high-flying Southend United on Saturday but a gritty and, at times, cultured team display finally gave Town fans reason for optimism.

Strains of "Andrew Fitton's red and white army" could be heard from the away terraces as the Wiltshire businessman finally closes in on a County Ground takeover and the standing ovation for their beleaguered players was the least they deserved.

An honourable draw seemed inevitable after Adam Barrett had cancelled out Simon Cox's early opener but Gower stepped in to break the hearts of Town players and fans alike with the last kick of the game.

"The lads were outstanding today," said caretaker boss Ady Williams. "We made some changes that paid off for us. We had fresh legs and everyone has gone out there and done their jobs.

"After the game everyone is devastated but they can look in the mirror tonight and know that everyone has done the job asked of them.

"We just feel numb. They have put in so much work, commitment and passion into the game, all the things we did not have on Tuesday night."

Kaid Mohamed was also handed his full senior debut as caretaker managers Dave Byrne and Williams bravely changed tactics to an attacking 4-5-1.

Blair Sturrock, in for Billy Paynter, played as the sole striker but Simon Cox and Mohamed played wide off him, at times in a three-pronged attack.

Allen anchored the midfield effectively while Chris Blackburn took advantage of Town's injury and suspension crisis to show why he was signed with a strong defensive display.

But while all fingers are crossed a rapid solution to the financial troubles has at last been found it was the performance of Allen that suggests there are even more reasons for hope on the field.

Williams said: "Chris was fantastic. Budgie is a big lover of Chris Allen and I think today he made his point. There were some big names on our bench but Chrissy has done a brilliant job.

"He is a passer and runs himself into the ground. He was in tears at the end of the game.

"He was devastated but he was fantastic and caused a lot of problems.

"There was a lot of responsibility and he has only enhanced his reputation.He will go on and become a better player.

"We know his ability on the ball but the other part of his game was magnificent today. The harrying, the chasing and the tackling was fantastic."

On Thursday night, Town's very existence looked uncertain with Fitton pulling out of takeover talks and crippling debts threatening to kill the club.

The situation has since eased, with Fitton back in talks with the club's owners, but Saturday's battling performance was nothing short of heroic from a troubled team.

With 12 first team players unavailable, it was the visitors who took the game to Southend by producing some of the best football they have played this season.

No one could fault Byrne's men despite the last-minute heart break and now let's all just keep our fingers crossed their attitudes are rewarded with an end to months of uncertainty.

11:06am Monday 10th December 2007

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