Roots Hall bore witness to a dramatic late surge from Southend United as they secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Brackley Town. In a match that remained deadlocked for the vast majority, it was the Shrimpers who ultimately found the decisive touch, netting two goals in the dying embers of the second half to claim all three points in this English National League encounter.
The first half offered a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to impose their authority. Defences were largely on top, and clear-cut chances proved to be a rare commodity. Brackley Town, known for their resolute defensive organisation, stifled Southend’s attacking forays, while the home side found it difficult to break down the Saints’ compact shape. Neither goalkeeper was unduly troubled, and the half ended goalless, reflecting the tight nature of the contest.
The second half followed a similar pattern for a considerable period. Substitutions were introduced by both managers in an attempt to inject some life into the proceedings. Brackley Town made a change on 61 minutes, bringing on Morgan Roberts for Callum Stewart. Southend United responded with a double substitution on 66 and 67 minutes, introducing Leon Chambers-Parillon and Oliver Coker respectively. Brackley continued to tinker, with Riccardo Calder and Miracle Okafor entering the fray on 68 minutes.
As the clock ticked past the 70-minute mark, the tension at Roots Hall began to mount. The game remained a physical battle, with Jon Maxted of Brackley Town receiving a yellow card for a foul in the 72nd minute. Southend United continued to probe, and further substitutions were made by both sides as they pushed for a breakthrough. James Morton was replaced by Cavanagh Miley for Southend on 80 minutes, while Slavi Spasov made way for Josh Walker on 81 minutes. Brackley also brought on Connor Hall, Bailey Hobson, and Danny Waldron around the same time.
The breakthrough, when it finally arrived, was to be a moment of brilliance and fortune for Southend United. In the 95th minute, with the match seemingly destined for a stalemate, substitute Leon Chambers-Parillon found the back of the net. The goal, coming in the dying moments of the second half, sent the home crowd into raptures. Moments later, the Shrimpers sealed their victory. In the 98th minute, Andy Dallas added a second for Southend United, with Josh Walker, another substitute, providing the assist. This late double salvo ensured Southend United took maximum points from a match that had threatened to end in frustration.
The victory sees Southend United solidify their position in the upper echelons of the English National League. Prior to this fixture, they occupied sixth place with 25 points from 14 games. This win, adding three points, moves them to 28 points, maintaining their spot within the play-off places. Brackley Town, meanwhile, remain in mid-table, having started the day in 15th with 17 points from 14 matches. This defeat, their seventh of the season, leaves them on 17 points, highlighting the challenges they face in climbing the league standings. The Saints have now failed to win in their last five outings and have struggled to find the back of the net, a concerning trend that will need addressing.