Southend travel west as they face Forest Green in a crunch National League playoff semi final. We have our match preview and betting predictions.
Forest Green have the advantage of playing at home by virtue of finishing third in the league. Steve Cotterill's side looked to be keeping pace with Barnet and York but tailed off towards the end of the season so had to settle for a third place finish. While they came 15 points ahead of their visitors, Forest Green will be wary of the threat that they pose.
Rovers haven't played for 15 days - something that affected York greatly in their shock 0-3 defeat to Oldham. However, Cotterill is blessed with an experienced team packed with promotion know-how, so the 60-year-old won't be too worried.
The New Lawn was something of a fortress for Forest Green who lost just once in front of their fans - only champions Barnet boasted more points. Defensively they have been resolute too, conceding 42 goals. Again, only Barnet have conceded fewer, while only Gateshead, York and Barnet have scored more goals.
Jamie Robson won Forest Green's supporter's Player Of The Year as well as the Players Player Of The Year. The left-back started all 46 league games this season and his energy on the flank will be key for his side.
Southend went into the final day just needing a point at Gateshead to finish in the top seven, with a loss meaning the hosts would leapfrog them. Kevin Maher's side held firm and left Tyne and Wear with a 0-0 draw, thus securing their place in playoffs, despite it looking unlikely just a few months back.
A quarter final eliminator at Rochdale was first up last Thursday. Southend found themselves 3-1 down after 56 minutes but a miraculous come back ensued. Tom Hopper halved the deficit after 74 minutes, before Leon Chambers-Parillon notched his first goal for the club six minutes later, setting up a nervy extra time. Fresh off the bench, Charley Kendall bagged in the 101st minute, sending The Shrimpers to the semi-final.
Maher can take solace in Oldham's performance at York, with The Latics match sharpness seeing them ease to a 0-3 victory. With his side playing more recently than Forest Green who limped to a third place finish, the momentum is with the visitors and that could work in their favour.
Of their last 19 games, Southend have lost just twice, so will fancy their chances of getting at least a draw after 90 minutes. Both meetings this season have been entertaining affairs, ending 2-2 in both.
Despite playing right back, Gus Scott-Morriss has been a prolific goalscorer for his, notching 17 - an improvement by nine from last season.
Score Prediction: Forest Green 1-2 Southend - (AET)
Betting Prediction: Over 9.5 Asian Corners - 1.850
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