Halifax Town 2–6 Southend United

Southend Smash Halifax in Statement Win

Saturday 18 April 2026 – The Shay Stadium
National League
Half Time: Halifax Town 1–3 Southend United
Full Time: Halifax Town 2–6 Southend United

⚽ Goal Summary

Halifax Town: Harris (19′), Morris (85′)
Southend United: Coker (6′, 52′), Dallas (31′ pen), Cardwell (42′), Scott‑Morriss (59′), Chambers‑Parillon (90’+7)

📝 Match Report

Southend United rocked up to The Shay and delivered an absolute masterclass — six goals, total control, and a travelling support that never stopped singing. If the midweek win at Aldershot secured our play‑off place, this one announced that we’re arriving there with swagger.

Halifax started brightly, knocking it about neatly, but Blues were having none of it. From the first whistle we pressed, harried, and forced mistakes. The early free‑kick by the dugout set the tone: Southend on the front foot, Halifax scrambling.

Coker lights the fuse

Six minutes in, Bridge drifted inside, spotted Coker in space, and the lad didn’t hesitate. One touch, bang — a drilled 25‑yarder into the bottom corner. A beauty. His fourth of the season and a sign of what was coming.

Halifax did rally, and Collin Andeng‑Ndi produced one of the strangest but most brilliant saves you’ll ever see — blocking a near‑post effort with his forehead. But the hosts levelled moments later when Cody Johnson slipped Will Harris through and he finished well.

Dallas takes charge

Southend didn’t sulk. They surged. Dallas was chopped down in the box by Will Smith, dusted himself off, and smashed the penalty straight down the middle. 2–1, and the away end bouncing.

Halifax nearly equalised again, but Gus Scott‑Morriss — captain, leader, goal machine — was perfectly placed to clear a header off the line. A massive moment, because minutes later Blues made it three. Harry Taylor threaded a gorgeous ball into Dallas, who squared it across goal for Harry Cardwell to bundle home on his first start since January.

Halftime: Halifax 1–3 Southend. And honestly, it could’ve been more.

Second‑half domination

Seven minutes after the restart, Halifax failed to clear a Scott‑Morriss cross and Coker pounced again, rifling a low strike into the bottom corner. 4–1, and Blues were flying.

Cardwell nearly added another, forcing Sam Johnson into a strong save, but from the resulting corner Coker turned provider. His delivery found Scott‑Morriss completely unmarked — and the skipper powered home a diving header for his 17th of the season. Seventeen. From wing‑back. Ridiculous.

Halifax pulled one back late on through Kieron Morris, but Southend weren’t done. Deep into stoppage time, Bridge whipped in another teasing cross and Leon Chambers‑Parillon arrived at the back post to thump home number six.

The final whistle brought huge celebrations from the away end — a performance full of swagger, belief, and attacking quality.

Six goals. Three points. Above Forest Green. Unbeaten in eight.
This team is cooking.

🌟 Standout Performers

• Oli Coker – Two goals, one assist, and everywhere in midfield.
• Gus Scott‑Morriss – A goal, a clearance off the line, and a captain’s shift.
• Jack Bridge – Two assists and constant danger.
• Collin Andeng‑Ndi – Big saves at key moments.

📊 Line‑Ups

Halifax Town (4‑2‑3‑1)

Johnson (c); Hugill (Warburton 60′), Smith (Bray 60′), Palmer, Hobson (Adetoro 80′); C. Johnson, Turner‑Cooke; Crowe (Morris 81′), Hmami, Harris; Kawa (Waters 80′)

Southend United (5‑3‑2)

Andeng‑Ndi; Scott‑Morriss (Parillon 60′), Taylor, Golding (Goodliffe 84′), Gubbins; Bridge, Coker, Morton (Miley 60′); Austin; Cardwell (Spasov 60′), Dallas (Kendall 88′)

🟨 Yellow Cards

Halifax: Palmer (57′), Turner‑Cooke (67′)
Southend: Golding (67′)

👥 Match Officials

Referee: Ross Joyce
Assistants: Adam Burgess, George Eaton
Fourth Official: Tom Wall

📈 Attendance

1,896 (571 Southend United)

🔵 Play-Off Picture: Blues Set Up a Massive Week

Scunthorpe’s 1–1 draw has blown the play-off race wide open. It means Southend’s trip to Hartlepool on Tuesday night suddenly carries huge weight.

If Blues win at Victoria Park, it sets up a final-day showdown for 5th place — and with it, a home tie in the play-off eliminator.

📅 Remaining Fixtures

Tuesday 21st April – National League

Hartlepool United vs Southend United
Kick-off 19:45

Saturday 25th April – National League (Final Day)

Scunthorpe United vs Eastleigh
Kick-off 12:30

Southend United vs Wealdstone
Kick-off 12:30

📊 National League Table (Top 7)

🔵 Final Word

A long trip, a loud following, and a performance that sent everyone home grinning.
Southend United look like a side hitting their stride at exactly the right time — and if this is the level we’re taking into the play‑offs, nobody will fancy facing us.