📝 Braintree Town 0–1 Southend United

🔢 Pre‑Match Context

Braintree Town

• Position: 19th
• Points: 21
• Goal Difference: –14
• Form (last 6): L W D W L D
• Edging dangerously close to the relegation zone and in need of a statement result.

Southend United

• Position: 7th
• Points: 35
• Goal Difference: +15
• Form (last 6): D L W W L L
• Aiming to halt a two‑game losing run and keep pace with the playoff pack.

⚽ Key Moments

44’ – Red Card: Ben Goodliffe (Southend)

A reckless, unnecessary challenge on Sahid Kamara leaves the Shrimpers down to ten men just before the break.

75’ – Goal: Gus Scott‑Morriss (Southend)

Oli Coker’s corner is met by Scott‑Morriss, who powers home a close‑range header to give Southend the lead.

📖 Match Summary

Southend United produced a gritty, resilient performance to claim a vital 1–0 derby win at Braintree, despite playing the entire second half with ten men.

The first half was competitive, with both sides carving out half‑chances. But the game’s complexion changed in the 44th minute when Ben Goodliffe was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Sahid Kamara.

Rather than retreating, the dismissal seemed to galvanise Southend. Leon Chambers‑Parillon rattled the inside of the post with a long‑range strike, signalling the visitors’ intent.

The breakthrough arrived on 75 minutes. Oli Coker delivered a superb corner, and Gus Scott‑Morriss — introduced at half‑time — rose highest to nod home from a few yards out.

Coker almost doubled the lead moments later, but Mason Terry denied him with a smart save. Braintree pushed late on, but Southend’s ten men held firm to secure a hard‑earned derby victory.

⭐ Standout Performers

• Gus Scott‑Morriss (Southend) – Match‑winning header and huge impact off the bench.
• Oli Coker (Southend) – Excellent set‑piece delivery and nearly scored himself.
• Mason Terry (Braintree) – Kept the scoreline respectable with key saves.

📊 Discipline

Braintree Town

• J. Pinnington – Yellow (25’)
• C. Logan – Yellow (69’)

Southend United

• H. Taylor – Yellow (7’)
• C. Miley – Yellow (13’)
• H. Boyes – Yellow (53’)
• G. Scott‑Morriss – Yellow (89’)
• B. Goodliffe – Red (44’)

🧠 Tactical Notes

Braintree Town – 4‑2‑3‑1

• Struggled to break down Southend’s compact ten‑man block.
• Wide players isolated, little penetration in the final third.
• Lacked composure in key moments.

Southend United – 4‑3‑3 → 4‑4‑1 (after red card)

• Dropped into a disciplined, narrow shape.
• Relied on set‑pieces and transitions.
• Scott‑Morriss added aerial threat and energy after coming on.

🔭 What It Means (League Table Impact)

Braintree Town

• Before: 19th, 21 pts, –14 GD
• After: 20th, 21 pts, –15 GD
• Movement: ↓ 1 place
• Results elsewhere drag them deeper into relegation danger.
• Updated Form: W D W L D L

Southend United

• Before: 7th, 35 pts, +15 GD
• After: 7th, 38 pts, +16 GD
• Movement: No change
• End their losing streak and stay firmly in the playoff chase.
• Updated Form: L W W L L W

A massive, character‑building win for the Shrimpers.