Separated by one point and two places in the National League, Southend United host Dagenham & Redbridge in a mid-table clash at Roots Hall.
After relegation out of the Football League in 2021, this is the Shrimpers third season in Non-League, and like the previous few, off the pitch financial issues have clouded the club. In August, the club were deducted 10 points which they’d later unsuccessfully appeal, meaning their tally of 46 points, would be 56 if it wasn’t for financial issues, which would see them one point off the play offs. However, their actual tally sees them marginally closer to the relegation zone, although they are a hefty distance from both.
The corresponding fixture was the second game of the season, and saw the Shrimpers run out two nil winners for their first away win. Additionally, Kevin Maher’s side kicked off the campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over Oldham Athletic, which were the first three of 32 points amassed at Roots Hall this season so far.
Despite being held to a draw at home to struggling Wealdstone last time out, this did stretch their unbeaten run to six matches meaning the hosts have had a resurgence of late.
But the main shining light of the campaign is the terrific defence, which is statistically the best in the division. Just 38 goals have been shipped this season, 10 less than league leaders Chesterfield for context.
As a result, Southend’s average goals conceded per game is 1.06. Whereas, with 54 goals scored their average goals scored per game is 1.5.
Currently sat in 13th place in the National League, Dagenham are on course for their lowest finish for 4 years since finishing 18th, and need 18 points from their last 9 games to equal last season’s tally of 63.
Their most notable performance of the season came last month, when bottom of the league Oxford City were thumped 7-1 at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
However, despite this emphatic victory, home wins have been few and far between, as the club have won just 7 of their 19 League matches at home, losing the other 12. Meanwhile, despite winning two less, have picked up three more points (24) away from home so have enjoyed their travels.
After a slow start winning just 2 of their first nine league matches, the 22/23 was one of promise for the shrimpers who finished just 2 points outside the play offs.
However, it was the dismal month of March which saw 7 straight defeats in the League, that derailed their season, and left the club short come May.
In a similar fashion to this season, the Shrimpers’ defence was their strong point as they conceded just 45 goals, as they boasted the four best defensive record in the League averaging 0.97 goals conceded per match.
The Daggers finished 10th last season and were 10 points worse off compared to the year before, when they came 8th.
Goalkeeper Elliot Justham won the 22-23 player of the season award, having been practically ever-present in goal notching 45 appearances and keeping 9 clean sheets in the process.
In 29 League games this season, Forward Harry Cardwell has bagged 14 goals and been a pivotal player for Southend.
The former Scottish youth international joined the club back in 2022, from Chorley and has made a name for himself at Roots Hall.
Although he has less than 2000 minutes played so far this campaign, Forward Inih Effiong has 14 goals to his name and is the club’s top scorer, however, he is out with an injury.
Josh Rees deserves an honourable mention for his contributions in front of goal, but Effiong has scored 26.4% of their goals this campaign, having played 700 less minutes from Rees, which shows how important he is to the side
2-0 Southend
Southend to win & BTTS - No @ 2.88
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