Wembley Glory for the Shrimpers

Southend United 0–0 Wealdstone (Southend win 4–2 on pens)

Scott‑Morriss fires the winning penalty after Andeng‑Ndi’s Wembley heroics

Southend United lifted the Isuzu FA Trophy under the arch at Wembley after a tense, goalless final that was ultimately decided from the spot. In front of more than 22,000 travelling Shrimpers, Gus Scott‑Morriss smashed home the decisive penalty, but it was Collin Andeng‑Ndi who stole the afternoon with two superb saves in the shoot‑out.

The 90 minutes were frantic and full of half‑chances. Southend twice struck the woodwork through Harry Cardwell and Keenan Appiah‑Forson, while Wealdstone carved out several dangerous openings of their own. But when the pressure peaked, Kevin Maher’s side held their nerve and delivered a moment that will live long in club folklore.

First Half

Southend started brightly and almost took the lead inside six minutes. Scott‑Morriss threaded Cardwell into the right channel and his angled effort was tipped onto the far post by Dante‑Astor Baptiste. Moments later, Oli Coker’s deflected strike was gathered by the Wealdstone keeper, and James Golding surged forward to drag a shot wide as the Shrimpers pressed.

Wealdstone responded with a spell of pressure. Dominic Hutchinson’s teasing cross forced Andeng‑Ndi into a scrambling punch, and Nathan Tshikuna’s wicked corner delivery had to be clawed away from under the bar.

Southend thought they had broken the deadlock on 26 minutes when Scott‑Morriss bundled in from a corner, but the referee ruled it out for a foul on Baptiste. The Stones finished the half strongly, with Micah Obiero curling wide and Anthony Georgiou forcing a brilliant one‑handed save from Andeng‑Ndi at his near post. The resulting corner caused chaos, with Southend hacking clear under heavy pressure.

Second Half

Wealdstone lost captain Jack Cook at the break but still emerged the brighter. Tshikuna spun and fired goalwards on 58 minutes, drawing another sharp stop from Andeng‑Ndi.

Maher’s changes injected fresh energy. Appiah‑Forson’s introduction lifted Southend, and the Shrimpers almost produced a sweeping team move on 72 minutes, only for Jack Bridge’s touch to let him down at the decisive moment.

Five minutes later, Appiah‑Forson almost created the breakthrough when his looping cross‑cum‑shot clipped the top of the crossbar with Andy Dallas lurking for the rebound.

At the other end, Joe Gubbins produced a vital block to deny Tshikuna, and a loose punch from Andeng‑Ndi moments later fell to Georgiou, who lashed over from 15 yards. Substitute Jack Hinchy then forced another acrobatic save from the Southend keeper as the final minutes became frantic. Neither side could find the breakthrough, sending the final to penalties.

Penalty Shoot‑Out

The shoot‑out took place in front of the Southend supporters, and the Shrimpers seized control immediately.

• Jack Bridge hammered the opening penalty into the roof of the net.
• Andeng‑Ndi saved Olufela Olomola’s effort to put Southend ahead.
• Joe Gubbins buried his kick into the bottom corner.
• Andeng‑Ndi saved again, denying Jack Hinchy.

Charley Kendall’s effort was saved to give Wealdstone hope, and Obiero converted to close the gap. But Harry Boyes restored Southend’s cushion, and after Connor McAvoy kept Wealdstone alive, Scott‑Morriss stepped up.

The right‑back stayed ice‑cold and drilled his penalty straight down the middle, sparking wild celebrations behind the goal as Southend claimed the trophy.

Man of the Match: Collin Andeng‑Ndi — a commanding performance capped by two huge saves in the shoot‑out.

Attendance: 43,306
Referee: Farai Hallam

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