Southend set off-field issues aside to beat Eastleigh

Southend put off-field issues and fan protests aside to claim a 2-0 win over Eastleigh at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers, who this week dropped to the foot of the National League after being deducted 10 points for breaching financial rules, struck twice in the opening 25 minutes to take a lead they never surrendered.

The match was briefly halted after 10 minutes when Southend fans threw hundreds of tennis balls onto the pitch while calling for chairman Ron Martin to leave the club.

Once play resumed, Noor Husin put the hosts ahead in the 17th minute when he slotted home following good work by Jack Bridge and Gus Scott-Morriss.

Harry Cardwell then doubled Southend’s lead soon after with his fourth goal in five games this season, with Bridge heavily involved again.

Eastleigh, still looking for their first win of the campaign, threatened through Aidan Barlow and Chris Maguire but they were also indebted to goalkeeper Joe McDonnell for preventing Dan Mooney making it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time.

Maguire tested Collin Andeng Ndi as Eastleigh sought a way back into the game in the second half but Southend held firm to claim their third win of the season, moving them back up to minus one point.