Dyer sent off as Halifax snatch late draw at Southend

Southend United were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Halifax Town at Roots Hall on Saturday after a late equaliser and an unusual substitution decision. Manager Kieron Dyer and goalkeeping coach Anssi Jaakkola were both shown red cards after the final whistle.

Early exchanges

Southend took the lead on 22 minutes through Promise Omochere. Halifax responded ten minutes later when Morgan-Smith equalised, and the sides went in level at the break.

The second half was a close contest between two teams in the top eight. Southend appeared to have found a winner on 84 minutes, when a Maltby own goal put them 2-1 ahead.

Substitution decision proves costly

In the closing stages, Southend prepared to bring on Ben Goodliffe. Referee Isaac Searle ruled that the substitution had taken too long and did not allow Goodliffe to enter the field.

That left Southend with ten men for a short spell. Halifax used the extra player to push forward, and Tayt Trusty equalised in the 90th minute.

Dyer and Jaakkola were both sent off in the aftermath. Any further action from the authorities is yet to be confirmed.

A difficult fortnight

The result comes at the end of a challenging period for Southend. The previous weekend, they were knocked out of the FA Cup in the fourth qualifying round by Berkhamsted. The Step 2 side came from behind to win 2-1 at Roots Hall and reach the first round proper for the first time.

Southend went into this season as FA Trophy holders after beating Wealdstone on penalties at Wembley in May. Dyer was appointed in June following Kevin Maher’s departure. His side have shown attacking quality this term, including a 6-1 win at Gateshead in September and a 3-1 home victory over AFC Fylde.

League position

Despite dropping two points, Southend remain third in the National League on 28 points. They are three behind second-placed Harrogate Town and ten adrift of leaders Boreham Wood, who are unbeaten in the league and have won seven in a row.

Halifax are eighth on 21 points under John McGrath, who joined from Buxton in the summer for his first season as a National League manager. They will be pleased to leave Roots Hall with a point after coming from behind twice.

What’s next

Southend will hope to put the weekend behind them quickly as they look to keep pace with the top two. The club may also be awaiting news on any disciplinary consequences from the sending-offs.

For Halifax, the late leveller keeps them within touching distance of the play-off places. The Shaymen sit two points behind seventh-placed AFC Fylde.