York City produced a dominant second-half display to secure a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Southend United at the LNER Community Stadium, strengthening their grip on the National League’s top spot. A cagey first half saw chances at a premium for both sides, with the only noteworthy incidents being yellow cards for Alex Hunt and Ollie Pearce of York, and Gus Scott-Morriss of Southend. The teams entered the break locked in a goalless stalemate.
The introduction of Dipo Akinyemi in place of Tyrese Sinclair in the 62nd minute proved to be the catalyst for York’s second-half surge. Just two minutes after coming on, Akinyemi made an instant impact, breaking the deadlock to give the Minstermen the lead. The goal invigorated the home side and visibly unsettled Southend.
York’s momentum continued to build, and their advantage was doubled just four minutes later in the 68th minute. A flowing move culminated in Daniel Batty delivering a precise assist for Callum Howe, who confidently dispatched the ball into the net. Southend responded with a series of substitutions, but they struggled to stem the tide of York’s attacks.
The home side’s dominance was further underlined in the 76th minute, putting the result beyond doubt. David Ajiboye, who had replaced Mitch Hancox just four minutes earlier, finished off a swift counter-attack with a clinical strike, assisted by Malachi Fagan-Walcott. The final minutes saw further substitutions from both teams as York comfortably controlled proceedings to secure a resounding victory.
The win extends York City’s lead at the top of the National League table, leaving Southend rooted in mid-table. While the two sides played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the season, this emphatic victory highlights the contrasting trajectories of their respective campaigns since that encounter. This result marks York’s third victory against Southend in their last five meetings.