MAHER PLAYS CARDS RIGHT!
I nearly left ace out, Kev
SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher admitted he came close to resting matchwinner Harry Cardwell against Darlington.
Cardwell bagged both of the Shrimpers’ goals in a tense victory at Roots Hall.
But it was only Tuesday night’s match at Boreham Wood being postponed which led to Cardwell keeping his place in attack.
“I thought it might be a game to give him a rest but with the game being called off in midweek in the end I thought keep going,” said Maher.
“I thought his confidence would be good from last week when he scored against Solihull and for him to build on that was important.
“Without the midweek game we get the recovery right and go again next Saturday now.”
Cardwell’s first goal came early on when he cancelled Jack Lambert’s opener for the visitors with a well-taken header.
And Maher was also pleased with how the forward converted a fine cross from Noor Husin in stoppage time.
“The ball was going into the box and it was a moment of quality from Noor and an unbelievable finish from Harry,” said Maher.
“I’m delighted to get the win but it could have been a lot easier and more comfortable with the chances we had.
“We hit the woodwork three times and had balls off the line but while it was 1-1 they had a good chance and Blondy made a great save.
“We certainly had to work hard for the victory on a very heavy pitch which was very energy sapping too.
“But full credit to the players because they kept on going and going and I always felt we were going to get a chance. I fancied us to nick one because of the amount of chances we were getting and thankfully we did.”
National League North leaders Darlington started brightly at Roots Hall. And, with just two minutes on the clock, Jack Lambert fired them in front, despite strong shouts for an offside.
Southend equalised just four minutes later with Cardwell heading home a right wing cross from Jason Demetriou but the game did not get going until the second half.
Substitute Rhys Murphy and Demetriou both struck the woodwork for the Shrimpers while a left wing cross from Jack Bridge was also deflected onto the left post by defender Alex Purver.
The visitors dug deep and had a big opportunity of their own in the 89th minute when Jacob Hazel went clean through on goal only to see his initial shot saved by Blondy Nna Noukeu and his follow up effort cleared off the line by Ollie Kensdale.
But, after surviving the scare, Southend struck right at the death when Cardwell sent a cushioned volley, from Noor Husin’s brilliant left wing cross, into the bottom right hand corner of the net to send the Shrimpers through.