Southend Collegians Reserves showed great resilience to come back from behind twice and secure a hard-fought victory against their opponents. Although the performance wasn't vintage, the lads demonstrated an unwavering attitude that ultimately got them the result they needed.
The game started on a sour note for Southend Collegians Reserves as they conceded an early goal due to a mistake between the centre-back and goalkeeper, resulting in the ball landing in their own net. However, the lads quickly recovered and equalised soon after. John Search ran onto Jamie Nicholls' flick-on, rounded the keeper and scored from the tightest angle.
Southend Collegians Reserves then took the lead thanks to a superb free-kick from Karl Anderson. He whipped the ball into a dangerous area, and the goalkeeper completely misread it, resulting in the ball ending up in the back of the net. The half-time score was 2-1 in favour of Southend Collegians Reserves.
The second half started poorly for the lads, and they conceded two easy goals from the striker running straight through the middle. Fortunately, goalkeeper Adam Bennett saved a penalty, which kept them in the game. Southend Collegians Reserves then changed their formation and started to push forward for the equaliser. It came in the 90th minute from a long throw-in. Shayne Wesley headed the ball on, and Dan Turner nodded it in at the back post.
With the score level at 3-3, the game went into penalties, which saw Southend Collegians Reserves prevail with a 4-2 win. Adam Bennett saved the first penalty, which gave the team a huge boost of confidence. Jamie Nicholls, Danny Payne, Shayne Wesley, and Dan Stannard all scored, securing the win and booking their place in the semi-finals.
Overall, it was a hard-fought victory for Southend Collegians Reserves, who showed great determination and character to come back from behind twice. They will be hoping to take this form into the semi-finals and beyond.
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