KEV HAS PRIDE DESPITE A FALL
SOUTHEND United’s faint play-off hopes were ultimately taken out of their hands by FC Halifax Town but they failed to keep their side of the equation by going down to Rochdale at Roots Hall.
Despite a 10-point deduction and a whole host of financial issues, the Shrimpers rallied to finish ninth in the table.
And Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher stressed this final-day defeat, in front of a near-8,000 crowd, should take nothing away from what his side have achieved this season.
“When we look back, it’s 75 points we’ve accumulated,” said Maher. “We would be in the play-offs and that’s the main takeaway for me.
“Pre-season we couldn’t train, we couldn’t go to the toilet there or shower.
“We had no food, and still haven’t, and had no subs. I could go on and on so it’s incredible what these players have done. They’ve shown character and resilience and they deserve all the credit in the world.”
Halifax’s win at Eastleigh eliminated any hope of a top-seven finish for the Shrimpers but Maher was still disappointed to lose.
“I don’t like losing, whether it’s the first game of the season or the last,” the boss added.
“We’re disappointed today but what these players and staff have done have been unbelievable. We should be so proud.”
Southend started on the front foot against Rochdale and broke the deadlock after just eight minutes when Gus Scott-Morriss volleyed home an inviting cross from Jack Bridge for his eighth goal of the season.
Danny Waldron and Bridge both fired over from long range before Rochdale came close to equalising with Cian Hayes smashing a shot against the underside of the crossbar. However, Hayes was not to be denied for long and equalised on the stroke of half-time following a poor error from Ollie Kensdale.
The Shrimpers defender cheaply conceded possession to Hayes, who went clean through on goal before rounding the advancing Collin Andeng Ndi and tapping home.
The game was flat after the break but Southend substitute Wes Fonguck wasted a good chance to put the home side back in front when he completely scuffed a 12-yard shot when left unmarked in front of goal.
But Rochdale stood firm and won the game in added on time when Devante Rodney fired confidently past Andeng Ndi when clean through on goal.
The victory saw Rochdale end the season sitting 11th in the table.
STAR MAN: Cian Hayes (Rochdale)
ATT: 7,947
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: Paul Johnson