Southend United Triumph: Ten-Man Shrimpers Secure Crucial Boxing Day Victory

27 December 2025 Football Matches

Introduction: The Importance of Southend United’s Boxing Day Win

Southend United’s resilient performance on Boxing Day demonstrates the determination driving their National League promotion campaign. The club, based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, currently competes in the National League, the fifth level of English football, but their ambitions stretch far higher. Southend United sit in fourth place in the National League standings, making every match crucial in their quest to return to the Football League.

Boxing Day Heroics at Braintree

Ten-man Southend United secured a 1-0 win at Braintree Town in a match that tested the Shrimpers’ character. Ben Goodliffe was shown a straight red card for a needless challenge on Sahid Kamara just before half-time, leaving manager Kevin Maher’s side facing an uphill battle.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, substitute Gus Scott-Morriss scored the only goal of the game 15 minutes from time. The decisive moment came when Oli Coker supplied the corner which was headed in from a few yards out by half-time substitute Gus Scott-Morriss. The victory showcased Southend’s mental strength and tactical discipline when it mattered most.

The Road Ahead: Significance for Promotion Hopes

This Boxing Day victory is particularly significant for Southend United’s promotion aspirations. Known as ‘The Shrimpers’, a reference to the area’s maritime industry that is included as one of the quarters on the club badge, the team has endured difficult years following financial troubles and changes in ownership.

Looking forward, the three points earned against Braintree keep Southend firmly in contention for automatic promotion back to the Football League. With the team sitting fourth and showing the resilience to win even when reduced to ten men, supporters have genuine reason for optimism as the season progresses. The coming weeks will be crucial as Southend United aim to maintain their push towards the top of the table and secure their return to professional football’s higher echelons.