SOUTHEND'S non-league clash with Eastleigh was delayed for a bizarre reason.<br /><br />Furious Shrimpers hurled tennis balls onto the pitch as they protested their ownership following this week's ten-point deduction.<br /><br />Southend were punished by National League chiefs after the High Court set them an October deadline to pay off debts worth £275,000 to energy suppliers and electrical contractors.<br /><br />It's the club's 18th winding-up petition in the last 14 years.<br /><br />Supporters have long been calling for owner Ron Martin to leave, with many fearing for the club's long-term future.<br /><br />And in the 10th minute of Friday's home clash with Eastleigh, they let their feelings be known in style.<br /><br />A barrage of tennis balls were launched onto the pitch as fans called on Martin to go.<br /><br />The disruption caused the match to be suspended as staff cleared the field.<br /><br />But it eventually continued as Southend raced into a 2-0 lead before half-time.<br /><br />The protest came two days after Southend's latest High Court drama.
