National League

SOUTHEND UNITED 2 BOSTON UNITED 0

JOHN CHUBB at Roots Hall

After beginning their 2024/25 National League campaign with two draws, Southend United gained the first victory of the season as they saw off newly-promoted Boston United at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

Midfielder George Moncur – signed earlier in the day from Leyton Orient on loan for the rest of the season – was on the bench for the hosts, whilst ex-Blue Dan Mooney was in the starting 11 for the visitors.

Kevin Maher’s men stamped their authority on the match almost straight from the kick-off.

In only the second minute, Blues caught the Pilgrims on the break as captain Nathan Ralph picked out Harry Cardwell, who with plenty of space available to him made his way into the left hand side of the penalty area, and Southend’s leading scorer of 2023/24 fired a low shot past visiting goalkeeper Cameron Gregory to open his account for the current season.

Boston’s Jacob Hazel had his side’s first chance in the 10th minute, but his effort was wide to the left of Shrimpers keeper Collin Andeng Ndi, who did well to stop another effort from Cameron Green ten minutes later but the linesman’s flag had already been shown on this occasion.

But from the midway point of the first half, Southend began to dominate proceedings.

With 21 minutes played, skipper Ralph – who played impressively throughout – went close with a close range header which was saved by Gregory.

And with half an hour played, Gus Scott-Morriss – who also had an excellent game for Blues – crossed for Noor Husin, but the midfielder’s effort was a long way over the bar.

Danny Waldron also tested Gregory, who had to react quickly with a save in the 38th minute to prevent the hosts from doubling their lead – which they did seven minutes into the second half, when Scott-Morriss headed home from close range for his second goal of the season.

In the 69th minute, Cardwell – who caused problems for the Lincolnshire outfit all evening – outpaced keeper Gregory, who was way off his line but the Southend striker’s shot sailed wide.

And moments later,  he nearly scored via a deflection but a great tip over the bar from Gregory prevented him from scoring a second and his side’s third.

But two goals proved sufficient for a well-deserved win that took the Shrimpers up to 10th in the National League table, whilst Boston – propping up the table after losing their opening three fixtures – will have a lot of work to do if they are to avoid a quick return to the National League North.

Southend United (Head Coach: Kevin Maher) – Collin Andeng Ndi, Gus Scott-Morris (George Wind 91), Nathan Ralph (c), Ollie Kensdale, jack Bridge (James Morton 91), Noor Husin (George Moncur 71), Harry Cardwell (Joe Gubbins 91). Danny Waldron, Harry Taylor, Cav Miley, Oli Coker.

Boston United (Manager: Ian Culverhouse) – Cameron Gregory, Cameron Green, Mitchell Roberts, Tom Leak (Keaton Ward 86), Martin Woods (c) (Frankie Maguire 74), Jacob Hazel (Dylan Hill 86), Dan Mooney (Adam Marriott 74), Jai Rowe, Femi Aderojou (Tony Weston 66), Jordan Richards, Zak Mills.

Referee: Alan Dale

Attemdance: 6924 (including 175 from Boston)