Southend a point from playoffs

Two early goals from Craig Easton and Ryan Hall saw Southend easily brush off the challenge of Barnet – even though the visitors netted late on.
The 2-1 scoreline flattered the Bees who were second best throughout. Southend did sink to their level at times but remained composed and are now just a point from 7th place with a game in hand.
Southend could have taken the lead when Peter Gilbert’s cross was expertly met by Blair Sturrock, but Jake Cole did well to push the ball away and then smother under pressure from Hall.
It wasn’t long before they were celebrating. Barker picked out Hall in space, and when his shot was parried out, Blair Sturrock crossed for Easton to score from a yard out.
A second came five minutes later. Hall looked second favourite with the ball skidding towards the by-line but he somehow evaded his man and shot low into the far corner from a very tight angle.
Southend controlled the game throughout, although were fairly wasteful with possession and chances. Barnet only threatened when Peter Gilbert’s atrocious backpass led to a shot hitting the post, and then later when more shoddy Blues defending allowed Sam Deering an open goal, but somehow his shot flew over via the crossbar.
The Bees did score late on when a long ball was headed home by Steve Kabba, but the Bees never threatened an equaliser despite four minutes of added time.

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