Southend United delivered a decisive blow to Ebbsfleet United at the Kuflink Stadium, securing a 4-0 victory that underscored the difference in quality between the two sides. The result compounded Ebbsfleet’s confirmed relegation, while providing a boost to Southend’s aspirations, though a playoff position remains a difficult prospect.
The first fifteen minutes saw a cautious start from both teams, but the stalemate was broken in the 15th minute when Charley Kendall scored for Southend. Ebbsfleet struggled to mount a response, and Southend controlled the remainder of the first half, dictating the pace of the game and limiting the home side’s possession.
Ebbsfleet attempted to inject some urgency into their play at the start of the second half. In the 53rd minute, Dominic Poleon replaced Alexander Moaid Goria Aoraha, but the substitution failed to spark a comeback. Southend remained solid, and their dominance was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Oliver Coker, assisted by Jack Bridge, increased their lead.
A double substitution in the 68th minute saw Josh Walker and Macauley Bonne replace Kendall and Tom Hopper for Southend respectively. The change immediately bore fruit. In the 76th minute, Bonne, assisted by Walker, added a third goal, effectively securing the victory for the Shrimpers.
Ebbsfleet’s frustration became evident, resulting in a series of yellow cards in the final minutes. Toby Edser was cautioned in the 83rd minute, followed by Callum Harriott in the 87th and Ben Chapman late into stoppage time. Southend maintained their pressure, and their persistence was rewarded in the 90th minute when Walker, assisted by Leon Chambers-Parillon (who replaced Bridge in the 88th minute), completed the scoring, making the final score 4-0.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for Southend. Ebbsfleet, already relegated following their 2-2 draw against Altrincham, offered little resistance. Southend, currently in 8th place with 64 points, will be encouraged by their performance, even if it leaves them on the periphery of the playoff contention.