Roots Hall played host to a hard-fought National League match between Southend United and Braintree Town, which ultimately ended in a 0-0 draw. The game, characterised by a high number of yellow cards, failed to truly ignite, with both teams taking away a single point that does little to significantly impact their respective league ambitions.
The first half was fragmented, with referee Jason Richardson frequently brandishing yellow cards. Southend’s Ben Goodliffe received an early booking just a minute into the game, setting a precedent for a combative opening period. Oliver Coker then joined him in the referee’s notebook in the 25th minute, also for a foul. Braintree’s Louie Annesley and Henry Gray were subsequently cautioned in quick succession, further disrupting the rhythm of the match. Neither side managed to assert any genuine control, and clear-cut chances were scarce.
In the second half, Kevin Maher looked to inject more dynamism into the Southend attack. In the 62nd minute, Jack Bridge replaced Oliver Coker in midfield. Further changes followed in the 71st minute, with Tom Hopper and Charley Kendall introduced for Macauley Bonne and Josh Walker respectively, as Southend searched for a breakthrough. Braintree responded with a substitution of their own in the 73rd minute, Jacob Pinnington replacing Louie Annesley. However, these substitutions did little to alter the overall pattern of the game.
The yellow cards continued to accumulate, with Marley Marshall-Miranda cautioned for Braintree in the 64th minute, followed by Southend’s Noor Husin in the 74th. Husin was then replaced by Keenan Appiah-Forson in the 79th minute. Braintree also made further substitutions, with Chay Cooper replacing Alan Judge in the 80th minute, and Jamal Fyfield replacing John Akinde in the 84th minute, shortly after Akinde himself had been booked for dissent.
As the match drew to a close, Southend increased the pressure on Braintree. James Morton was replaced by Cavanagh Miley in added time, but their efforts proved fruitless. Even Braintree manager Stephen Pitt received a late yellow card for dissent.
The draw leaves Southend United in 8th position with 61 points, their hopes of a late push for the play-offs diminishing. Braintree Town, meanwhile, remain in 18th place with 52 points, still looking nervously over their shoulders in the battle to avoid relegation.