MAHER’S MEN FEEL THE HEAT
SOUTHEND United slipped to within one point of the National League drop zone after defeat to York City at Roots Hall.
The Minstermen secured all three points with substitute Lenell John-Lewis scoring the only goal of a drab game in the last minute of normal time.
And Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher – whose side have now lost three games in succession – expressed his frustration at the final whistle.
“We’re bitterly disappointed,” said Maher. “We conceded so late from a setpiece we had highlighted they do. We switched off and it’s fallen to someone in the six-yard box who should be marked. It’s cost us the game.”
Southend have now failed to score in their last three games and Maher was keen to point out how hard the Shrimpers have been hit by having 10 points deducted for financial irregularities.
“Don’t forget the 10 points,” stressed Maher. “I won’t gloss over the position we’re in but we have been done the 10 points. We’ve got to get results.”
York’s win moved them up to 17th in the table and the visitors went close to taking the lead after just 10 minutes when Dipo Akinyemi sent a looping header inches wide.
Southend replied with Danny Waldron nodding a left-wing free-kick from Jack Bridge onto the roof of the net before York got back on top with Paddy McLaughlin having a volley pushed wide by goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi.
The visitors continued to threaten with only a stunning last-ditch challenge from James Morton stopping Akinyemi getting a shot on goal when the striker seemed set to score.
And, just seconds later, York came even closer to breaking the deadlock when a poor clearance from Andeng Ndi was latched onto by Ryan Fallowfield down the right hand side.
His low cross was bizarrely left alone by two Shrimpers defenders before Will Davies sent a close range shot against the post.
At the start of the second half, Southend defender Adam Crowther had a close range header impressively kept out by Sykes-Kenworthy before Crowther wasted an even clearer chance.
But, with just goalkeeper George Sykes-Kenworthy left to beat, Crowther unselfishly tried to roll the ball into the path of Harry Cardwell, only for his pass to be intercepted.
The miss increased in significance right at the death when Callum Howe’s header from a Danny Amos corner was saved by Andeng Ndi before John Lewis smashed home the rebound.
STAR MAN: Callum Howe (York)
ATT: 6,754
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
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