On a tense afternoon at the ARMCO Arena on August 30, 2025, Southend United extended their Enterprise National League unbeaten streak to six matches with a pulsating 2-1 victory against Solihull Moors.
Andrew Dallas, the Barnsley loanee, delivered a masterclass, scoring twice against his former club to secure a third consecutive away win for the Shrimpers, delighting the 684 traveling supporters among the 1,566-strong crowd.
The match erupted into life early. Just five minutes in, Dallas showcased his flair, exchanging quick passes with the tireless Gus Scott-Morriss before charging through and slotting a precise right-footed shot past Solihull’s Laurie Walker into the right corner of the net.
The goal, his first since joining on a season-long loan, set the tone for Southend’s commanding first half.
The Shrimpers pressed relentlessly, with Harry Boyes pulling the strings in midfield. His vision nearly doubled the lead when he picked out Sam Austin, whose low, left-footed strike flashed inches wide of the right post.
Moments later, Ben Goodliffe’s towering header from Boyes’ out swinging corner was tipped over by Solihull’s Louis Jackson, while Dallas curled another effort just wide.
Solihull, despite their winless start, showed early fight. Within the first minute, Bradley Nicholson’s long throw caused havoc, with Szhem Whyte-Hall’s low shot cleared off the line by Boyes, a moment that epitomized Southend’s defensive tenacity.
The hosts struggled to create clear chances, though, as Southend’s dominance kept goalkeeper Collin Andeng-Ndi largely untested.
On the stroke of halftime, Boyes slid a pinpoint pass to Dallas, whose fierce strike forced a diving save from Walker, preserving Solihull’s slender deficit.
Half Time – Solihull Moors 0-1 Southend United
The second half brought a dramatic twist. Nine minutes after the restart, Dan Creaney seized a loose ball after a long clearance, spotting Andeng-Ndi off his line and unleashing a stunning 25-yard volley that soared over the keeper’s head to level the score.
The ARMCO Arena roared as Solihull found renewed vigor, with Whyte-Hall’s effort deflected over and Alex Whitmore’s header from Ben Worman’s left-wing free-kick forcing a low save from Andeng-Ndi.Southend, undeterred, responded with tactical precision.
Manager Kevin Maher introduced Slavi Spasov for the injured Charlie Kendall in the 62nd minute, and the substitute proved decisive. In the 72nd minute, Spasov whipped in a pinpoint left-wing cross, and Dallas, turning sharply to evade his marker, fired a clinical right-footed shot from close range to restore Southend’s lead.
The goal, his second of the match, underlined his growing importance to the Shrimpers’ attack.
As Solihull pushed for an equalizer, Maher bolstered the midfield with a double substitution, bringing on Cav Miley and Keenan Appiah-Forson for Oli Coker and Sam Austin in the 80th minute.
Tom Hopper later replaced Dallas, ensuring fresh legs to see out the game.
Southend’s defence, anchored by captain Ben Goodliffe, stood firm, repelling Solihull’s late surges to secure a hard-fought victory and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Southend United now turn their attention to Wealdstone, with a midweek clash at Grosvenor Vale, as they aim to sustain their promotion push. Meanwhile, Solihull Moors will look to regroup as they prepare to host Yeovil Town at the ARMCO Arena, hoping to end their winless run in their next scheduled fixture. Both teams play on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 7:45 PM.
Match Details
Venue: ARMCO Arena
Attendance: 1,566 (684 Southend United supporters)
Referee: Paul Marsden
Assistant Referees: Declan Ford, Christopher Husband
Fourth Official: Scott Simpson Solihull Moors
Solihull Moors Lineup: L. Walker, C. Green, L. Jackson (D. Lipsiuc 69’), B. Nicholson, O. Rutherford, B. Worman (E. Sonupe 83’), J. Clarke, A. Whitmore (c), D. Creaney, S. Whyte-Hall (C. McFarlane 74’), O. Tipton
Substitutes (Unused): S. Bowen, R. Brown, B. Stevenson, C. Watts
Southend United Lineup: C. Andeng-Ndi, J. Gubbins, B. Goodliffe (c), H. Taylor, G. Scott-Morriss, S. Austin (C. Miley 80’), H. Boyes, Noor Husin, O. Coker (K. Appiah-Forson 80’), C. Kendall (S. Spasov 62’), A. Dallas (T. Hopper 87’)
Substitutes (Unused): J. Bridge, A. Crowther, N. Hayes
Goals:
- Solihull Moors: D. Creaney (53’, assisted by S. Whyte-Hall)
- Southend United: A. Dallas (5’, assisted by G. Scott-Morriss; 72’, assisted by S. Spasov)
Bookings:
- Solihull Moors: L. Jackson (19’), D. Lipsiuc (83’)
- Southend United: None
Key Stats:
- Possession: Solihull Moors 42%, Southend United 58%
- Shots: Solihull Moors 8 (3 on target), Southend United 12 (5 on target)
- Corners: Solihull Moors 4, Southend United 6
- Fouls: Solihull Moors 10, Southend United 8
- Pass Accuracy: Solihull Moors 78%, Southend United 84%
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