Southend Collegians Reserves aimed to build on their previous strong performance against Ekco Park as they faced Rochford Town Reserves. The lads approached the game with an aggressive mindset, pressing high and disrupting Rochford's rhythm from the start.
The high-pressing strategy yielded dividends early in the game when Matt Radford found himself in a one-on-one situation with the Rochford goalkeeper. Radford was fouled in the box, winning a penalty for Southend Collegians Reserves. Shayne Wesley stepped up to take the penalty, displaying composure as he calmly dispatched it into the back of the net, giving Collegians a 1-0 lead.
At halftime, the score remained 1-0, reflecting the team's solid first-half performance.
However, a slow start to the second half allowed Rochford Town Reserves to level the score with a well-executed long ball that bypassed the Collegians' defense, resulting in a calm finish from the Rochford striker.
After this setback, the lads regrouped and regained control of the match. Improved play and coordination, particularly between Liam Hiliker and Shayne Wesley, allowed Southend Collegians to restore their lead. Wesley netted his second goal of the game, making it four goals in four games for the Collegians striker.
As the game entered its final stages, the action intensified, with Southend Collegians Reserves missing several good opportunities. However, they eventually secured a third goal, thanks to a beautifully executed through ball from Billy Phelps and a perfect chip over the goalkeeper by Liam Hiliker.
The match concluded with a 3-1 victory for Southend Collegians Reserves, showcasing their resilience and determination. Shayne Wesley, Matt Radford, and Liam Hiliker were among the standout performers, contributing goals and assists to secure the win.
The result highlighted the team's progress and their ability to adapt and control matches, providing optimism for future fixtures.
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