Southend United’s Strong Start
Solihull Moors will take on Southend United on Saturday 22 August at 12:30 kick-off at Damson Park. Southend, who are currently fourth in the National League with six points, have won their first two league matches. A 3-1 away win at 10-man Altrincham was followed by a 1-0 victory at home to Scunthorpe.
Managerial History
Last season, manager Kevin Maher guided the club to the play-offs, finishing sixth before being knocked out with a 1-0 loss to Scunthorpe. Maher was replaced in June by Kieron Dyer, the former Premier League and England international.
Key Players
Southend’s top scorer last season was former Moors striker Andrew Dallas. Defender Gus Scott-Morris, who netted 15 league goals from right-wing-back, earned a move to Oldham Athletic in League Two.
A Brief Club History
Southend United was formed at a meeting in the Blue Boar Public House on 19 May 1906, taking over the prominence of the earlier Southend Athletic club. The club entered the Southern League Second Division and won the title in each of its first two seasons. In 1920 the Southern League clubs, including Southend, were elected en bloc to the new Third Division of the Football League, later becoming the Third Division South.
Early Years and Wartime
The club’s first Football League goal was scored by Albert Fairclough. After the First World War, Southend moved to the former Marine Park, now known as The Kursaal, and later to the Southend Stadium in Grainger Road. The club’s wartime history saw it relocate to Chelmsford City’s New Writtle Street ground during the 1939/40 season.
Notable Achievements
During the 1935/36 FA Cup, Southend famously drew 4-4 at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur before losing the replay 2-1, setting a club record attendance of 23,634.
Looking Ahead
With a solid start to the season, Southend United will look to maintain momentum against Solihull Moors. The match will be a test for the Moors as they seek to rebound from back-to-back league defeats and secure points against a Southend side that has already proven capable of winning both home and away fixtures.
