3 – 2
“Andrew Dallas strikes early to give Southend the perfect start with the opening goal”
Pivotal“James Golding doubles Southend's lead as the home side take firm control”
Pivotal“Tom Hopper extends Southend's commanding lead to 3-1 with a clinical finish”
Pivotal“Casey Pettit pulls one back for Rochdale to set up a nervy finish at 3-2”
Southend United
Rochdale
Southend United delivered a commanding first-half performance to secure a vital 3-2 victory over Rochdale in an entertaining National League encounter. Andrew Dallas opened the scoring early before James Golding doubled the advantage, with Tom Hopper adding a third goal to put the Shrimpers firmly in control by the 27th minute. Despite Rochdale's spirited fightback through Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Casey Pettit, which set up a tense finale, Southend's early dominance proved decisive. The victory extends Southend's positive momentum and provides crucial points in their league campaign, while Rochdale will rue their slow start despite showing character in their second-half response.
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