AHEAD OF THE GAME: Southend United (A)

Southend United vs Woking

Enterprise National League

Wednesday 25th March

19:45 Kick-off

A midweek trip to Essex sees the Cards take on play-off hopefuls Southend United, the latest challengers to their current unbeaten run.

That run was extended to six games at the weekend, with an incredible Derby Day victory seeing the Cards earn the league double over their rivals Aldershot Town. It also saw them string together three consecutive wins, momentum that they will be hoping to carry to the coast.

Woking took a point from the reverse fixture, back on November 5th, after they were frustrated by Southend’s injury-time equaliser, with recent history suggesting that these two teams like to share the spoils. Indeed, both league fixtures last campaign also ended in a draw.

Whilst the fixture at the Laithwaite ended goalless last term, the last time the Cards took to Roots Hall a 2-2 draw unfolded, with Okoli opening the scoring just five minutes into the clash. One in goalscoring form of late, it was then Beautyman’s 68th-minute effort that saw the points shared, after the Shrimpers came from behind to lead.

The Cards will look to do one better on Wednesday evening, against tough opposition, to make it four back-to-back victories.

Opposition Watch

Just like Woking, Southend went into their last fixture looking to protect an unbeaten March run, but they could not preserve it, as they slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at Altrincham.

The result saw them drop out of the final play-off spot, with Halifax Town moving up into seventh following a victory over Solihull Moors. The Shrimpers will now be looking to bounce back to keep the battle close between themselves and Halifax, with the two teams starting the week separated by just one point.

Southend’s recent home form does suggest that they will be a tough test for the Cards, with Kevin Maher’s side losing just two of their last ten league games at home, both to play-off placed sides.

It’s not only their league campaign that has looked strong, but they also boast being in the final four of the FA Trophy, with their semi-final clash against Southport set to be played later this month.

Two pathways, therefore, lie for the Shrimpers to play at Wembley Stadium this term, a position they will be familiar with after reaching the play-off final last campaign, where they lost out to Oldham Athletic.

To aid their chances of a strong finish to the season, the recent loan signing of Millwall’s Alfie Massey serves to strengthen their midfield. One with previous National League experience at Wealdstone, ten appearances and two goals for the side saw him get to grips with National League life, involvement he will look to build on during his loan spell on the coast.

One to Watch

On a season-long loan from League One’s Barnsley, Andy Dallas has certainly been a key man in front of goal for the Shrimpers this term.

He has continued his influence in March, with three goals so far this month, including a fourth-minute opener against title-chasers Rochdale, as well as the start of a comeback draw against Carlisle, another in the top seven.

Come Wednesday evening, he will be looking to add to his tally, which has already seen him hit the back of the net on 13 occasions this campaign.

Tickets for the game can be purchased HERE. We look forward to a strong Cards following on the road! COYC!

Preview by: Holly Porter