Southend United v Port Vale

Programme sellers at Roots Hall. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Fans read the match day programme outside the ticket office. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

The entrance for 'Directors and Guests Only'. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Southend's cheerleaders welcome the players on to the pitch. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Southend United fans look on as their side face Port Vale. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Southend attempt a clearance. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Roots Hall watches expectantly as Southend swing in a corner. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Sean Clohessy loiters on the halfway line. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Paul Sturrock faces just two dictaphones in his post-match press conference. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Manager Paul Sturrock answers questions at the post-match press conference. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian

Fans file out of Roots Hall. Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian
Photograph: Matt Writtle/The Guardian