A spirited performance, a fantastic atmosphere, Shrimpers supporters back in the North Bank and a vital victory to get right back in the play-off race all contributed to a memorable afternoon. And all that came amid a real sense of togetherness too. No club has endured more off field pain and concern than Blues in recent seasons.
But during the darkest of times it was scenes like Saturday all Shrimpers fans would have dreamed of being part of. It was a real reminder of what Southend United could and should consistently be. And, having come so close to not existing at all, it made what materialised on Saturday even more enjoyable.
In the grand scheme of things, it was just a win to keep the Shrimpers’ hopes of a top seven finish alive. But Blues are now definitely well placed to finish in the play-offs. An early header from Keenan Appiah-Forson ultimately saw Southend United come out on top.
And the Shrimpers now sit just one point and one place below seventh placed Gateshead who have now suffered six defeats in succession and host Southend on the final day of the season. Blues’ destiny is therefore in their own hands and that is what made Saturday’s success incredibly important. Fourth placed Oldham came into the game having suffered fewer defeats on the road than any other team in the National League while the Shrimpers were desperate to bounce back from Tuesday’s disappointing 3-0 defeat at Boston United.
It was very much Southend on the front foot early on, with Ap.
