Southend United extended their unbeaten run in the National League with a dramatic late equaliser away at Woking, securing a hard-fought 1–1 draw on Wednesday evening.
In a match that looked destined to hand the home side all three points, Jack Bridge struck deep into injury time to earn the Shrimpers a well-deserved share of the spoils — marking the third consecutive game in which Southend have scored in stoppage time.
Woking had taken the lead midway through the second half through Josh Kelly, whose persistence paid off after his initial effort was saved by Nick Hayes. But just when the home crowd thought the victory was sealed, Bridge cut inside from the left and fired a superb effort into the top corner to snatch a point in the dying moments.
First Half
The opening stages were evenly balanced, with both sides battling for control. Southend threatened early through Slavi Spasov and Keenan Appiah-Forson, who both sent headers narrowly wide. At the other end, Woking’s Josh Kelly forced Hayes into a smart save after a dangerous cross from Tariq Hinds.
Just before the break, Spasov came close again — meeting a whipped cross from Gus Scott-Morriss — but his diving header flew over the bar, leaving the game goalless at half-time.
Second Half
The hosts started the second period brightly, with Hayes called into action to tip over a powerful strike from Hinds. Southend’s defence continued to work hard, but Woking eventually found the breakthrough in the 68th minute. Aaron Drewe’s cross from the right found Kelly, whose first effort was blocked by Hayes before he scrambled home the rebound.
Southend refused to give in and created several chances late on. Leon Parillon saw his curling effort pushed behind, while Cav Miley’s low shot drifted wide after a short corner.
Woking nearly wrapped up the win when Kelly struck the post in injury time — and that miss proved costly. Moments later, Sam Austin surged forward and laid the ball off for Bridge, who cut inside and sent a thunderous drive into the top corner to make it 1–1.
There was still late drama when Jake Forster-Caskey’s long-range free kick rattled the crossbar, but Southend held firm to claim a valuable point on the road.
Final Whistle
The result keeps Southend’s unbeaten league run intact and maintains their position in the play-off spots, three points clear of eighth-placed Wealdstone. Attention now turns to Saturday’s home clash at Roots Hall against league leaders Carlisle United.
Full-Time: Woking 1–1 Southend United
Goals: Kelly 68’ (Woking), Bridge 90+4’ (Southend)