A late surge of activity at Roots Hall saw Southend United and Boston United conclude their National League match in a 1-1 draw. The game, characterised by a cautious approach for much of its length, came alive in the final ten minutes, resulting in a shared point for each side.
The first half saw neither team able to assert dominance. Jordan Richards of Boston United was shown a yellow card in the 36th minute for a foul, reflecting the increasing physicality of the match as half-time approached. Clear chances were scarce, with both defences proving resilient and restricting any genuine opportunities to score.
The second half commenced with substitutions from both sides, aimed at revitalising their attacking options. Boston United made a double substitution in the 58th minute, introducing Lenell John-Lewis and Matty Carson for Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila and Owen Hampson, respectively. Southend responded in the 67th minute with a double substitution of their own, bringing on Josh Walker and Leon Chambers-Parillon for Tom Hopper and Sam Austin. The substitution strategy continued as Kieren Donnelly replaced Rocco Coyle for Boston United in the 71st minute, shortly after Coyle had received a yellow card. Boston then introduced Jacob Scott for Ben Grist in the 75th minute. Southend then made a double substitution in the 82nd minute, bringing on Oliver Coker and Jack Bridge for Keenan Appiah-Forson and Harry Boyes.
The stalemate was eventually broken in the 81st minute when Zak Mills scored for Boston United. However, their lead was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Andy Dallas scored for Southend United, levelling the score and energising the home supporters. Kieren Donnelly of Boston United received a yellow card in the 86th minute. The final moments of the match were tense, with both teams striving for a winning goal. In added time, Matty Carson of Boston United was also shown a yellow card.
The draw leaves Southend United in fourth position with 18 points, while Boston United are in 19th place with 8 points.