Southend United climbed to the top of the National League table with a 2-1 away victory at Solihull Moors, thanks to a brace from Andrew Dallas against his former side.
The Scottish forward made an instant impact, striking inside five minutes after combining neatly with Gus Scott-Morriss and calmly slotting past goalkeeper Laurie Walker.
Southend continued to dominate the first half, with Sam Austin going close from a Harry Boyes through ball and Dallas twice testing Walker before the interval.
Despite their control, the Shrimpers were pegged back shortly after the restart. Dan Creaney capitalised on a flick-on to send a superb volley over Collin Andeng Ndi and level the scores for the hosts.
The response from Southend was swift. Slavi Spasov’s cross from the left found Dallas with his back to goal, and the striker turned sharply away from his marker before rifling home to restore the advantage and seal all three points.
The result maintains Southend’s perfect away record this season and, at least temporarily, lifted them to the top of the league table ahead of the weekend’s remaining fixtures.
Line-ups
Solihull Moors: Walker, Rutherford, Nicholson, Jackson (Lipsiuc 69’), Green, Creaney, Whitmore, Clarke, Worman (Sonupe 83’), Tipton, Whyte-Hall (McFarlane 74’).
Subs: McFarlane, Bowen, Lipsiuc, Brown, Sonupe, Stevenson, Watts.
Southend United: Andeng Ndi, Taylor, Goodliffe, Gubbins, Coker (Appiah-Forson 80’), Noor Husin, Boyes, Austin (Miley 80’), Scott-Morriss, Dallas (Hopper 87’), Kendall (Spasov 62’).
Subs: Hayes, Crowther, Bridge, Hopper, Miley, Spasov, Appiah-Forson.
Goals
- Southend United: Dallas 5’, 72’
- Solihull Moors: Creaney 53’
Bookings
- Solihull Moors: Jackson 19’, Lipsiuc 83’
- Southend United: None
Referee: Paul Marsden
Attendance: 1,566 (684 away supporters)