A pulsating National League encounter at Roots Hall saw Sutton United come from behind to defeat Southend United 3-1, ending the Shrimpers’ three-match unbeaten run. The match swung dramatically, punctuated by a flurry of yellow cards and ultimately decided by a second-half own goal and clinical finishing from the visitors.
The home side struck first in the 11th minute, Gus Scott-Morriss finding the back of the net to the delight of the Roots Hall faithful. Southend looked to capitalise on their early lead, but the flow of the game was disrupted by a series of fouls. Sutton’s Harry Ransom and Josh Coley both picked up yellow cards early on, with Southend’s Noor Husin also cautioned before the break. Despite the stop-start nature of the first half, Sutton found an equaliser just before half-time. Josh Coley, having earlier been booked, atoned for his previous indiscretion by levelling the scores at 1-1.
The second half began with a dramatic twist. An own goal from Southend defender Joe Gubbins gifted Sutton the lead, deflating the home side and galvanising the visitors. Both managers then turned to their benches. Southend introduced Macauley Bonne and Keenan Appiah-Forson, while Sutton brought on Siju Odelusi and Jeremy Sivi. Significantly, both Coley and Gubbins were substituted shortly after their key involvements in the goals.
Sutton extended their lead in the 75th minute. Ashley Nadesan, latching onto a well-placed pass from Will Davies, slotted home to make it 3-1 and put the game beyond Southend’s reach. Nadesan’s goal prompted a further change for Sutton, with Matt Rush replacing the goalscorer. The final stages of the match saw tempers flare once again, resulting in yellow cards for Southend manager Kevin Maher, and players Jayden Harris, Scott-Morriss, and Charlie Waller.
The victory sees Sutton United climb to 14th in the National League table with 12 points from nine games, leapfrogging Southend, who drop to 16th with 10 points from eight. While the two sides haven’t met in the league for the past three seasons, this result provides a welcome boost for Sutton after a recent string of winless matches. For Southend, it’s a disappointing setback after their recent upturn in form.