Southend score three late goals to break Brackley’s resistance

Tom Hopper came off the bench to spark a late blitz as Southend powered their way to a 3-0 National League victory at Brackley which boosted their play-off hopes.

Kian Harratt was twice denied a first-minute opener for the hosts while Josh Walker’s fifth-minute effort was cleared off the line at the other end.

Harratt saw an early attempt blocked as the second half got under way, but it was his side which came under pressure as the game progressed, with Andy Dallas, Harry Taylor, Cav Miley and Gus Scott-Morriss all being denied by Brackley goalkeeper Jonny Maxted.

The visitors finally got their reward with nine minutes remaining when substitute Hopper scored from Charley Kendall’s pass.

Kyle Morrison’s stoppage-time own goal settled the game and there was still time for Scott-Morriss to add a third as Southend moved back into the top seven.