Sam Barratt fulfilled a dream on Saturday afternoon at Roots Hall as Southend United hosted Doncaster Rovers in EFL League One.
The opening day saw Barratt on the bench for the Shrimpers but he replaced Stephen McLaughlin on 65 minutes, just as the home side had gone 2-0 down.
A third followed five minutes later but Chris Powell’s side rallied and pulled two back through Tom Hopper and Theo Robinson while Barratt almost made his mark, forcing a save out of Rovers goalkeeper Marko Marosi.
In a fans reaction piece on the Southend Echo web site, several Shrimpers praised the former Bracknell Town and Woodley United winger.
Should have put the game to bed in the first 20 minutes, but let them back in. Not sure how we didn’t get 3 points from that one, but some positive signs from Dieng and Barrett when they came on. Robinson has to be first choice alongside Hopper who had a decent debut.
— Dan (@aBettingTipster) August 4, 2018
Barratt himself tweeted: “Tough opening day, didn’t deserve to lose after playing so well first half. On a personal note it was amazing to make my home debut at Roots Hall on the opening day, first professional app too, lots of positives to take into the next game.”
Tough opening day, didn't deserve to lose after playing so well first half. On a personal note it was amazing to make my home debut at @SUFCRootsHall on the opening day 🙌 first professional app too, lots of positives to take into the next game 👌
— Sam Barratt (@SammyboyBarratt) August 5, 2018
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