Southend United continued their perfect start to the 2025/26 season with a solid 2–0 win at Roots Hall against newly promoted Tamworth. Goals from Charley Kendall and Gus Scott-Morriss sealed the points in a performance that showed both resilience and quality.
Early Drama
The visitors were handed a golden chance to take the lead inside the opening 10 minutes when Tyler Roberts was brought down in the box. Tom Tonks stepped up to take the penalty, but goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi guessed correctly and pulled off a superb stop to keep the scores level.
That save proved crucial. Just minutes later, Southend went in front. Nathan Ralph floated in an inviting cross from the left, and Kendall made no mistake, rising highest to glance a header into the bottom corner. It was his second goal in as many games, underlining his sharp start to the campaign.
From there, the Shrimpers managed the game with composure, limiting Tamworth to half-chances while keeping control in midfield. The first half closed with the hosts holding a deserved 1–0 advantage.
Second-Half Control
The pattern continued after the break as Southend remained disciplined and patient. Tamworth looked to push forward, but Southend’s back line, well marshalled throughout, dealt with the pressure.
The decisive moment came in the 80th minute. Harry Boyes delivered a brilliant cross from the left, perfectly placed for Scott-Morriss at the back post. The wing-back met it with a powerful first-time strike that flew past goalkeeper Jas Singh to make it 2–0.
Tamworth briefly threatened to respond, with Manny Duku seeing a close-range effort blocked after a Joe Riley free-kick, but Southend’s defensive organisation meant there was no way back for the visitors.
Southend could even have added a third late on when substitutes Andy Dallas and Tom Hopper combined, only for Singh to deny Hopper from point-blank range.
Full-Time Reflections
When the final whistle blew, Roots Hall celebrated a second successive win, ensuring Kevin Maher’s side sit top of the early league table. With confidence building, attention now turns to Wednesday night’s clash with last season’s runners-up York City, before a long trip to Cornwall to face Truro City at the weekend.