Southend United had to settle for a share of the points at Roots Hall after a late penalty rebound from Andrew Dallas cancelled out Zak Mills’ opener for Boston United.
The match sparked into life in the final 10 minutes. With 81 minutes played, the visitors took the lead when Mills pounced inside the box and drilled the ball beyond a packed defence. Just moments later, Southend found a way back. Oli Coker was brought down inside the penalty area and, although Jack Bridge saw his spot-kick saved by Rhys Lovett, Dallas reacted quickest to fire home the rebound.
First half
Southend began the brighter of the two sides, creating several chances without reward. Tom Hopper stretched to meet Harry Taylor’s early cross but couldn’t generate enough power, while Cav Miley shaved the outside of the post with a long-range strike.
Gus Scott-Morriss caused problems down the flank, his whipped delivery forcing Lovett into action after a deflection from Sam Austin. Jason Ralph also went close, diverting Harry Boyes’ corner onto the top of the net.
At the other end, Boston almost struck through Jordy Hiwula, who broke clear but was denied by Collin Andeng Ndi at his near post. Dylan Hill also tested Southend’s defence, only to be denied by Taylor’s timely block.
Second half
After the restart, Goodliffe rose to meet a cross but couldn’t direct his header on target, while Boyes stung the palms of Lovett with a fierce strike from distance. Dallas then came close twice: first firing narrowly wide after a dazzling run, then seeing a close-range header tipped away by the visiting goalkeeper.
Boston punished that missed opportunity when Mills capitalised on a loose ball in the box to smash home the opener. But Southend responded immediately, earning a penalty that led to Dallas’ equaliser.
The hosts pressed for a winner, with Leon Parillon and Dallas both testing Lovett again, while Coker’s corner almost crept in before being cleared off the line. Boston had a scare late on when Andeng Ndi misjudged a free-kick, but no one in yellow could convert.
Final whistle
The 1–1 draw keeps Southend’s unbeaten home record intact and extends their run at Roots Hall to five matches without defeat. The result also leaves Kevin Maher’s side sitting fourth in the National League.
Line-ups
- Southend United: Andeng Ndi, Taylor, Goodliffe, Ralph, Scott-Morriss, Appiah-Forson (Coker 82’), Miley, Austin (Parillon 67’), Boyes (Bridge 82’), Hopper (Walker 67’), Dallas.
Subs: Hayes, Bridge, Walker, Gubbins, Parillon, Morton, Coker. - Boston United: Lovett, Grist (Scott 75’), Coyle (Donnelly 71’), Teale, Mills, Lankshear, Richards, Hill, Sloggett, Hiwula-Mayifuila (John-Lewis 58’), Hampson (Carson 58’).
Subs: Kelly, Donnelly, Scott, John-Lewis, Carson, Jones, Singh.
Goals
- Southend: Dallas 84’
- Boston: Mills 81’
Bookings
- Southend: none
- Boston: Richards 36’, Coyle 70’, Donnelly 86’
Referee: Mr Searle
Attendance: 7,900 (152 away)